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 than people think, but it can be a major hassle.

Fortunately replacing car keys lost is relatively easy depending on the kind of key you have. The most basic keys can usually be made at an area hardware store, provided you have the VIN number or evidence of ownership.

Retract your Steps

Losing your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a hectic time of day and you need to get somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways to help you find your car key replacement.

The first thing to do is go back to where you started. This involves going back through the places you've been and taking a look around, both at home and car key lost replacement work. This will give you an idea of where you've seen your keys, and may help you find where they might be.

If you still can't locate your car key lost replacement keys, contact a locksmith or a dealership in your area for assistance. They'll be able to create a new car key for you, and decode your locks to ensure that only the key will be able to start the vehicle. They'll also erase the old key, so that if anyone manages to steal it, they aren't able to drive your car.

Make sure you have your VIN on hand before you contact a dealer or locksmith. The VIN is on the driver's door or dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you drive so they can create keys that match.

Memory Exercises

You may be tempted to be scared of losing your car keys However, try to remain calm. This will enable you to think clearly and thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and make use of your memory to remember where you saw your car keys last. If you are unable to remember where you put your keys you were, go back to the steps and search for clues.

If you're still having trouble, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system it has and they'll be able to create a new key that can be paired with your existing security chip. They'll also be able provide you with ways to prevent future key loss.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past losing or misplacing car keys was not a big problem. Contact your local locksmith to get a new car key. But as cars have become more technological and sophisticated, so have their keys become more expensive and difficult to replace. It is essential to have an extra car key or to be aware of the cost of a replacement in the event that you lose yours.

You must first determine if the key is really missing. Check the pockets of your pants or jacket, the backseat, and other places that you may not normally go, such as the inside of a shoe or purse. Look through your owner's manual to determine if it contains any specific instructions on how to reset your key in case it stops working.

If you've tried everything but still cannot find your car keys, it is time to get a professional for an alternative. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob 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 reprogram it to match your car. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who may charge up to $320 for a new key.

You'll need to contact your dealer and request that your car towed by them to allow them to obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they will have to pair the new key to your vehicle's electronic key, which can be an expensive and time-consuming process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you can have the help of a professional should you ever need to!

Check the security system of your car.

There is no doubt that modern vehicles come with advanced security features that protect the vehicle's content from theft. These features can make it more difficult to replace keys for your car. It's still possible to get a replacement key for these cars, but the process is more difficult and expensive. The exact cost will differ based on the type of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of prior to having one made.

The most straightforward type of car key you can make a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key that can be replaced at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. It is usually less than $10 and will be a perfect backup or to start the car in case of emergency. Transponder chips are employed in the latest models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, switching off and on, and other functions. These chips must be programmed with a special machine, which is usually only available at some dealerships.

A locksmith in your area can assist you with a spare key for these advanced cars. They will need the model and year of the vehicle, along with some other details (like your registration number or your title) to confirm that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site, saving you time from needing to visit dealers.

The dealership is the best option if there isn't an extra. They are the best people to speak to since they know the car and the keys you'll need to get started with it. It can be costly and they won't be available for roadside assistance.

For a much more affordable alternative, consider a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices connect to your key ring and emit signals that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will show you where your keys are, helping you locate them, and stop them from being lost in the first place!

Get a new key

Every car owner loses their keys at one time or another. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as at a gas station, or loading groceries into your trunk. It's not difficult to find your keys again, but it can be stressful if you don't have an extra set of keys at home or with a friend.

There are still ways to get a new key in case you've lost car keys with no spare your original. The process is different based on the type of key and vehicle.

If you own an ignition lock cylinder key, for example, it is relatively easy to have a locksmith local to create a new one immediately. This is less than $200 and can be completed quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership.

You will need to visit the dealer if you have an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealership will be able locate your information and issue you the correct key at a cheaper price than what you would pay when you visit a locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able create keys for replacement by using the VIN number of your car, as long as you have evidence of ownership like 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 costly.

The best way to prevent losing your keys is having an extra. Keep it in a secure place, like your house and you won't have to worry about leaving it in the event that you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Don't forget to check places that you would not normally reach, such as the inside of your shoes if you are on runners. Check your trunk to see if you have left keys in there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be stolen if someone drives away in your vehicle.