How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Every car owner loses their keys at one point or some other time. It happens more often than most people realize it can be a major trouble.

Fortunately replacing car keys lost is fairly simple, depending on what type of key you own. The most basic keys can be made at a local hardware store if you can provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.

Retract Your Steps

Losing your car keys is difficult, especially when it happens at a busy time of the day and you have to go somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways you can help you find your lost car key replacement.

The first thing to do is go back to where you started. This means going back through the places you've been to and looking around at home as well as at work. This will help you find the keys, noting where you last was able to see them.

If you still can't locate your car keys, you can call a locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to create the new key for you, and decode the locks on your vehicle so that only the new key is able to start it. They'll also remove the old key so that if anyone manages to obtain it, they won't be able to drive your car.

Before you speak to a locksmith or dealer, make sure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This number is found on the driver's door or on the dashboard. It will allow them to know what car you own and they will be able to create a key that matches.

Using Your Memory

If you've lost key to my car your car keys, you might be anxious. However, try to keep your cool. This will help you think clearly and look more thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and Lost Car Key Replacement use the power of your memory to remember the location where you last saw your car keys last. If you are unable to remember the location of your keys you were, go back to the steps and search for clues.

If you're still having issues, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll then create a new key that matches your existing security chip. They'll also provide you with ways to prevent future key loss.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could simply call your local locksmith to make a new key. However, as cars have become more advanced and sophisticated, so have their keys becoming more difficult and expensive to replace. It's essential to have an extra car key or to be aware of the cost of a replacement in the event that you lose yours.

It is important to first find out if the key really missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the pants or jacket you wore when you last used your car, or looking at the back of your car as well as checking out places you wouldn't usually look like the inside of a shoe or purse. Also, you should check your owner's manual to determine if there are specific instructions for the kind of key you have like how to reset it in the event that it becomes dead.

If you have checked all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it is time to get a professional for the replacement. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional, key fob, or switchblade) it could cost you anywhere from $50-$200 to purchase new keys. If you own a traditional key, you can have the locksmith simply cut a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative than paying the dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a replacement key.

For a key fob, or switchblade key, you'll have to call your dealership and have the car towing in to purchase an additional key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. Then, they'll need to pair the new key to your vehicle's electronic key this could be a costly and time-consuming process. It's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to ensure that you receive assistance from a professional if needed!

Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.

It's no secret that many modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that ensure that the car's contents are safe from thieves. While these security features are generally an excellent thing however, they can make keys for the car more difficult to replace. It is still possible to obtain an alternative key for these cars, but the process is more complex and expensive. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the kind of vehicle you have. You should know this before ordering one.

The easiest kind of car key to create a spare key for is the classic double-edged key which can be re-used at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. The cost is typically less than $10, and can be used as a backup key to start your car in a dire situation. More recent models of automobiles, however, incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control different aspects of the car from locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. The chips have to be programmed by a special machine, which is typically only available at certain dealerships.

A locksmith in your area can assist you if you need an extra key for these advanced cars. They will require the model and year of the car as well as other details (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner. Some locksmiths are capable of making these keys onsite and save you the hassle of having to go to an agent.

If you don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They'll be the most familiar with your specific car and the keys required to start it. This can be expensive, but they won't be open for assistance on the road.

Try using a Bluetooth key tracker for an alternative that is affordable. These devices are attached to your key ring, emitting signals that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will display the location of your keys helping you to find them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!

Get a new code

Every car owner loses their keys at one point or another. It can happen at the most unavoidable of situations such as at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your car. Even though it is easy to find your keys again, it can be a very stressful scenario if you don't have a spare set in your home or with friends.

There are ways to get a replacement key in case you've lost your original. The process varies depending on your type of key and vehicle.

If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's fairly easy to get a locksmith in your area to create a new one on the spot. This is less than $200, and is typically quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob equipped with an external transmitter, however you'll need go to the dealer. The dealer will be able find your information and then send you the correct key at a lower price than you would pay to a locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able to 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 less expensive alternative to visiting an auto dealer however it's not always possible when you have a newer or more expensive vehicle.

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 putting it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It is also essential to check your purses and pockets regularly especially if you're wearing an outerwear item with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you wear runners. Finally, be sure to check the trunk of your car if you have put the keys down there. It's easy to forget that you left them there and they can easily get stolen if a driver takes off in your vehicle.