How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at one point or some other time. It happens more often than people realize, however, and it can be a huge hassle.

It is possible to replace lost car keys, dependent on the type of key you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at a local hardware store if you can provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.

Retract Your Steps

It's frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly when it occurs during a busy period of time when you need to be somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing that can happen. There are many ways to find your car key replacement.

You should first retrace all your steps. You can do this by going back to the places you have been and looking around, both at home and at work. This will help you locate the keys by noting the last time you was able to see them.

If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, contact a locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to make an entirely new car key for you, and also decode your locks to ensure that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also erase the old key off the system of your vehicle, so if someone does manage to obtain it, they won't be able to drive your car.

Be sure to have your VIN in hand before you contact a dealer or locksmith. This is the number located on your driver's side door panel or dashboard, and it will allow them to know what car you drive so they can make an appropriate key for your vehicle.

Memory Exercises

You may be tempted panic at the thought of losing your car keys, but try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and search more thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and utilize the power of your memory to recall where you found your car keys the last time. If you're having trouble remembering where they were, go back your steps and search for any clues that might have surfaced.

If you're not getting any luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealer for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle and its security system and they'll be able create a replacement key that will pair with your existing security chip. They can also give you advice on how to prevent future key losses.

Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a major problem. You could simply call your local locksmith and get a new key made. As cars become more advanced and sophisticated, so have their keys becoming more difficult and expensive to replace. This is why it's crucial to keep a spare key around or at the very least be aware of the price the dealership for your car will charge you to replace it if you lose one.

It is important to first find out if the key really missing. Check the pockets in your pants or jacket as well as the back of your car, and other places that you may not normally look like the inside of your purse or shoe. You should also look through the owner's manual to find out if there are special instructions for the kind of key you own, such as how to reset it in the event that it dies.

If you've checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it's time to contact an expert for a new one. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional keys, key fobs or switchblade) it can cost you between $50 to $200 to get new keys. If you have a standard key, the locksmith can typically cut a new key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's rates that can cost as much as $320 to replace a lost keys to my car key.

For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll have to call your dealership and have the vehicle towed to them to request an additional key for your vehicle based on the VIN. They will then have to pair your new key with your vehicle electronically. This could be a costly and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a great idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can have the help of a professional should you ever need to!

Check your vehicle's security system

It's not a secret that a lot of modern cars come with fancy security features designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from theft. Although these features are typically a good thing but they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. Fortunately, it's not impossible to find a new key for these cars, though the process is more involved and costly than in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the type of vehicle you own. It is important to be aware of this prior to purchasing one.

The easiest type of car key to make a spare key for is the classic double-edged car key that can be purchased at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. The cost is usually less than $10 and is perfect as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. More recent models of automobiles, however, incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control various aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to turning on and replace lost car keys off. These chips need to be programmed using a special machine that is only available in some dealerships.

A locksmith in your area can assist you if you need a spare key for these vehicles. They will require the model and year of the car and other details (like your registration number or your title) to verify that they are the owner. Some locksmiths can make these keys on the spot which will save you time from visiting dealers.

The dealership is the best option if you don't own spare. They are the best people to speak to since they know your car and what keys you'll need to get started with it. This could be costly however, and they won't be open for assistance at the roadside.

For a much more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices connect to your key ring and emit an audio signal that you can then connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then show you the location of your keys helping you to find the keys and preventing them from being lost in the first instance!

Get a new key

Everyone loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen at the most awkward of places, such as at a petrol station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. Although it's simple to find your keys again, this can be a very stressful situation in the event that you don't have a spare set in your home or with your friends.

There are still alternatives to purchase a new key if you have lost the original. The process depends on the type of key you have and the vehicle you are using.

For example, if you have a key that fits into an ignition lock cylinder it's easy to have a locksmith make a replacement on the spot. This will cost less than $200, and it's usually quicker than buying one from the dealer.

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

A locksmith might also be able to create a replacement key with the help of your car's VIN, as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to going to the dealership however, it's not always possible if you own a newer or more expensive vehicle.

It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys. Place it in a secure location, like your home in order to not have to worry about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you wear a coat or jacket with large pockets. Don't forget to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Be sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you put keys there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be stolen if someone drives away in your vehicle.