How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some point. It happens more often than most people realize it can be a big hassle.

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is relatively easy depending on the type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys at your local hardware store.

Retract your Steps

It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly if it happens during a hectic period of the day when you're required to be somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world, and there are several steps you can take to help you locate the replacement car key you i've lost my car keys.

You must first retrace your steps. This can be done by returning to the places you have been and looking around, at both your home and work. This will give you an idea of where you recalled seeing your keys and can help you find where they could be.

If you still can't locate your car keys, you can call a locksmith or dealership in your area for assistance. They'll be able to make a new key for you and also decode the locks on your vehicle, so that only the new key will be able to start it. They will also delete the old key to ensure that if someone does manage to obtain it, they aren't able to drive your car.

Be sure to have your VIN in hand before contacting a dealer or locksmith. This is a number that's located on your driver's dashboard or door panel, and it will allow them to know what vehicle you own so that they can create a new key to match.

Memory Exercises

If you've lost your car keys, you may feel panicky. Try to keep your cool. This will help you think clearly and search more deeply. Close your eyes and relax. Then, use your memory to remember the last time you viewed your keys. If you're having trouble remembering the exact location, retrace your steps again and look for any clues that might have surfaced.

If you're unable to solve the problem, contact a local locksmith or dealer to get help. You'll be required to provide information about your vehicle and the security system it has and they'll create a new key that can be paired with your existing security chip. They'll also be able to guide you on ways to prevent future key loss.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

Not too long ago losing or misplacing car keys lost what to do keys was not a big problem. Call your local locksmith to get a new car key. As cars become more technological as well, so have keys becoming more expensive and difficult to replace. This is why it's essential to keep a spare key on hand or at the very least know the amount the dealership for your car will charge to replace it if you lose one.

The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the key you lost is not actually missing. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants along with the backseat and other places you might not normally go for, like the inside of a purse or shoe. Go through the owner's manual to see if it has any specific instructions on how to reset the key if it becomes dead.

If you've checked everything and still haven't found your car keys, it's time to call an expert to request an alternative key. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional keys, key fobs or switchblade) it could cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 to buy new keys. If you have a conventional key, the locksmith can usually cut a new one and modify it to fit your vehicle. This is a cheaper alternative to paying the dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a new key.

For a key fob or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have the car towed in for them to request the new key for your vehicle based on the VIN. They'll then need to pair your new key with your vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you will have the assistance of a professional if you ever need to!

Check the security system of your car.

No secret is that many modern vehicles come with advanced security features that safeguard the contents of the car from thieves. Although these features are typically a good thing however, they can make keys for cars more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting a replacement key for these vehicles, but the process is more complex and expensive. The cost of a new key will depend on the kind of vehicle you have. You should know this before ordering one.

The most straightforward kind of car key to create a spare key for is the classic double-edged key that can be purchased at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. It will typically cost less than $10 and work just fine as a backup or to start the car in case of emergency. Transponder chips are employed in the most recent models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, such as locking and unlocking, switching off and on, as well as other functions. The chips have to be programmed with a special machine, which is typically only available at certain dealerships.

If you're in need of an extra for these more advanced models of cars, a locksmith local to you should be able to help. They will need to know the year and model of your vehicle as well as other details to confirm that you're the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Certain locksmiths are capable of making keys in-person and save you the hassle of having to visit a dealer.

The dealership is the best option if there isn't an extra. They are the best person to talk to because they are familiar with the vehicle and what keys you'll need to get started with it. This could be costly but they won't be open for roadside assistance.

To get a more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will then provide you with the location of your keys, helping you to find them and prevent them from getting lost in the first instance!

Find a New Key

Every car owner loses their keys at some point or another. It can happen at the most inconvenient of times such as at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your car. Although it's easy to find your keys once again, this can be a very stressful scenario when you don't have a spare set in your home or with your friends.

There are still ways to obtain a replacement key if you've i lost the key to my car the original. The procedure is dependent on the kind of key you have and the vehicle you are using.

If you have an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like it's fairly easy to have a local locksmith make a new one immediately. This will cost less than $200 and is typically quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob equipped with an external transmitter, you'll have go to the dealer. The dealer will be able locate your information and send you the right key for a much lower price than you would pay for an locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able to create a replacement key with the help of your car's VIN, as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting a dealership. However, it might not be possible in the case of a vehicle that is older or expensive.

It is best to keep a spare set of keys. Keep it in a safe location, like your home, so that you don't have to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if wear a coat or jacket with large pockets. Check places you might not normally reach, I've Lost My Car Keys like the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Make sure you check your trunk if have left the keys there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen when someone drives away in your vehicle.