How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that we all lose car keys at some time. It happens more often than most people realize it can be a big trouble.

It is possible to replace lost car keys, depending on the type of key that you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys made at your local hardware store.

Retract Your Steps

It's a hassle to lose your car keys, particularly if it occurs during a busy time of the day when you have to go somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways to help you find the replacement car key you lost.

You should first retrace all your steps. This can be done by going back to the places where you've been and taking a look around, both at home and at work. This will give you a good idea of where you remember seeing your keys, and may help you find the location they might be.

If you are still unable to locate your car keys, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to create an entirely new key for you, and decode the locks that are already in your vehicle so that only the new key will be able to start it. They'll also wipe the old key off your vehicle's system, meaning that should someone manage to obtain it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your vehicle.

Before you speak to a locksmith or dealer, ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. This is a number that's found on your driver's side door panel or dashboard, and nearby it will inform them of the vehicle you own so that they can make an appropriate key for your vehicle.

Utilizing Your Memory

You may be tempted to be scared of losing your car keys, but be calm. This will enable you to think clearly and search thoroughly. Close your eyes and take a moment to relax. Then utilize your memory to remember the last place you saw your keys. If you're having trouble remembering where they were, retrace your steps and search for any clues that may have surfaced.

If you're not getting any luck, contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll then create an original key that matches your existing security chip. They'll also provide advice on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.

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

It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car were not a big problem. You could contact your local locksmith and get a new key made. As cars evolved and sophisticated, so have keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and also more expensive. This is why it's crucial to keep a spare key around, or at least know how much your car dealership will charge you to replace it if you lose one.

The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the lost key is actually missing. Check the pockets of your pants or jacket as well as the back of your car, and other places you may not normally check, such as the inside of your purse or shoe. Check your owner's guide to determine if there are any specific instructions on how to reset the key if it becomes dead.

If you've tried all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it is time to get a professional for a new one. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to more than $200 depending on the type you have. If you have a conventional key, the locksmith can usually cut a new one and modify it to work with your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's price, which could be as high as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.

You'll need to call your dealer and request that your vehicle towing to them so they can order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to pair the new key with your vehicle's electronic key which is a costly and lengthy process. It's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to the policy to allow you to receive expert assistance if you need it!

Check Your Vehicle's Security System

It's not a secret that many modern cars come with fancy security features that help protect the contents of the car from theft. While these features are usually an excellent thing however, they can make keys for the car more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting keys for replacement 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 own. It is essential to be aware of this prior ordering one.

The classic car key with a double edge can be made into a spare key at any hardware store or dealer. 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 cars, however, use transponder chips in the keys to control various aspects of the vehicle, from locking and unlocking to turning on and off. These chips must be programmed by a special machine, which is usually only available at some dealerships.

A local locksmith can help you if you need an extra key for these advanced cars. They'll need the model and year of the vehicle, along with some other information (like your registration number or title) to confirm that they are the owner. Some locksmiths are capable of making these keys onsite, saving you the time of having to visit a dealer.

The dealership is the best option if you don't own spare. They are the best place to speak to since they know the vehicle and what keys you'll need to get started with it. It can be costly, and they will not be available for roadside assistance.

To get a more affordable alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will show you where your keys are located, helping you find them, and stop them from being i lost the key to my car in the first place!

Find a New Key

Everyone loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen at the most inconvenient of times like at a gas station or while loading groceries into your car. Although it's easy to find your keys once again, it can be a very stressful scenario if you don't have a spare set in your home or with your friends.

There are still ways to get a replacement key if you've lost the original. The process depends on the kind of key you have and the vehicle you are using.

For example, if you have a traditional key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder it's easy to get a locksmith to make a replacement on the spot. This is less than $200 and is often quicker than getting one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob equipped with an external transmitter, however you'll have 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 make a replacement key with the help of the VIN number of your car, as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to going to the dealership however it's not always feasible if you have a newer or more expensive car.

It is best to keep a spare set of keys. Keep it in a secure location, like your home in order to not need to think about leaving it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check the pockets and purses frequently especially if you're wearing a jacket or coat with large pockets. Examine places that you may not normally reach, like the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Double-check your trunk if you have put your keys in there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your vehicle.