How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact that every car owner loses their keys at some time. It happens more frequently than people think and is a huge inconvenience.

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

Retract Your Steps

It's a hassle to lose your car keys, especially if it happens during a hectic period of the day when you're required to be somewhere. It's not the most frustrating thing that could happen to you. There are many ways to locate your car key replacement.

The first thing you need to do is go back to where you started. This involves going back through the places you've visited and taking a look around, both at home and work. This will help you locate the keys by noting when you last seen them.

If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll need to contact an area locksmith or Lost car keys dealership to get help. They'll be able to make a new car key for you, and also decode your existing locks so that only the key is able to start the car. They will also delete the old key, so that if someone does manage to obtain it, they aren't able to use your vehicle.

Before you call a locksmith or dealer ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. This number is found on the door of the driver or dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you own, so they can make a key that matches.

Using Your Memory

If you've lost your car keys, you may feel panicky. Try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search more thoroughly. Close your eyes and relax. Then, use your memory to recall the last place you saw your keys. If you're struggling to remember where they were, go back your steps again and look for any clues that could have been discovered.

If you are still having issues, contact a locksmith or dealership near you for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll be able to create a new key that matches your existing security chip. They can also give you tips on how to avoid future key losses.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

A few years ago losing or misplacing car keys was not a big issue. Call your local locksmith and obtain a new car key. However, as cars have become more high-tech, so too have their keys becoming more difficult and expensive to replace. It's essential to have a spare car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in the event that you lose yours.

You should first check to find out if the key really missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the jacket or pants you wore when you last used your car, or looking inside the back seat of your car as well as checking out places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. It is also advisable to check your owner's manual to see if there are any specific instructions for the type of key you have like how to reset it in the event that it dies.

If you've tried all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it is time to contact an expert to get a new one. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional keys, key fobs or switchblade) it can cost you between $50 to $200 to buy new keys. If you have a conventional key, the locksmith can typically cut a new key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle. This is a cheaper alternative to paying the dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a new key.

For a key fob or switchblade keys, you'll need to call your dealership and have the car towed in for them to order a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. They will then have to connect your new key with your vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and time-consuming process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can have the help of a professional if you ever need it!

Check Your Vehicle's Security System

No secret is that many modern cars are equipped with sophisticated security features to safeguard the contents of the car from theft. While these features are usually beneficial however, they can make keys for the car more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting a replacement key for these vehicles, but the process is more complex and costly. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the type of vehicle you own. It is important to know this before ordering one.

The most straightforward type of car key you can make a spare for is the classic double-edged key which can be re-used at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. The price is typically less than $10, and it is perfect as a backup key or to start your car in an urgent situation. Transponder chips are utilized in the most recent models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. These chips must be programmed using a special machine that is only available in some dealerships.

When you need to make an extra for these more sophisticated cars, a local locksmith should be able to help. They will need to know the model and year of your car, as well as some other information to verify that you are the owner (like your car registration number or title). Certain locksmiths are capable of making these keys onsite which will save you the hassle of going to an agent.

The dealership is your best option if there isn't a spare. They are the best people to ask because they know the car and the keys you require to start it. This can be expensive however, and they won't be able to provide assistance at the roadside.

To get a more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will then display the whereabouts of your keys, helping you locate them and prevent them from being i lost my only car key in the first place!

Find a new key

Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It can happen in the most inconvenient of times, such as at a gas station or while loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to find your keys once again, it can be a very stressful situation in the event that you don't have an extra set at home or with your family.

There are, however, options to obtain new keys even if you've lost your original. The procedure varies based on the type of key and the vehicle you are using.

For example, if you have a key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder it's fairly easy to have a locksmith create an immediate replacement. This is less than $200 and is much faster than buying one from a dealer.

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

If you have proof of ownership, like an official title or registration or registration, a locksmith might be able to create a new key using your VIN. This is a cheaper alternative to going to a dealership however it's not always possible when you have a newer or more expensive car.

It is advisable to have a spare set keys. Keep it in a secure location, such as your home and you won't need to think about leaving it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check pockets and purses regularly particularly if you are wearing a jacket or coat with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Double-check your trunk if you have left the keys there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone steals your vehicle.