How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at one point or another. It happens more often than most people realize, and it can be a huge problem.

Fortunately, replacing Lost Car key lost keys for car car keys can be relatively simple depending on the kind of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys at the local hardware store.

Retract your steps

Losing your car keys can be frustrating, especially when it happens at a busy time of the day and you're required to travel. It's not the worst thing that can happen. There are several ways to find your car key replacement.

The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This means 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 telling you where you last saw them.

If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll need to contact an auto locksmith or a local locksmith for assistance. They'll be able to make an entirely new car key for you, and also decode the locks you have in place so that only the key can start the car. They'll also erase the old key, so that if anyone manages to get it, they won't be able to drive your car.

Be sure to have your VIN handy prior to contacting a dealer or locksmith. It's located on your driver's side dashboard or door panel and will let them know which vehicle you own so that they can design keys that match.

Making Use of Your Memory

You may be tempted fear losing your car keys however, be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and look more thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and make use of your memory to recall where you saw your car keys last. If you can't remember where you put your keys then retrace your steps and look for clues.

If you're not getting any luck you can contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create a new key that matches your existing security chip. They'll also be able to advise you on preventive measures to avoid future key loss.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A few years ago losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a huge problem. You could just call your local locksmith to have a new key made. As cars have evolved, so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and more expensive. It's essential to have an extra car key, or to know the cost of a replacement in the event you lose yours.

The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the lost key is not actually missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the clothing you were wearing when you last used your car, looking at the back of your vehicle as well as checking out places you wouldn't usually look like the inside of a shoe or purse. You should also go through your owner's manual and determine if there are specific instructions for the type of key you have, such as how to reset it if it becomes dead.

If you've tried everything but you are still unable to locate the car keys, then it's time to call an expert to obtain an alternative key. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional or key fob or switchblade) it can cost you between $50 to $200 to get an alternative one. If you own a traditional key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and reprogram it to work with your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's rates that could be as high as $320 to replace keys that have been lost electric key.

You'll have to contact your dealer and request that your vehicle towed by them to allow them to obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to connect the new key to your vehicle's electronic key, which could be a costly and lengthy procedure. It's a great idea add Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to allow you to receive expert assistance if you need it!

Check Your Vehicle's Security System

No secret is that many modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that ensure that the car's contents are safe from theft. Although these features are typically a good thing but they can also make the car keys more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to find a new key for these vehicles although the process is more involved and expensive than in the past. The exact cost will differ according to the type of key your car is using, and you must be aware of prior to having one made.

The most straightforward kind of car key to make a spare for is the classic double-edged car key which can be re-used at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. It is usually less than $10 and will work just fine as a backup or to start the car in case of emergency. More recent models of automobiles, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control various aspects of the car, from locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. These chips must be programmed with a special machine, which is typically only available through certain dealerships.

If you're looking to create a spare for these more sophisticated cars, a locksmith local to you should be able to help. They'll need the year and model of your car as well as other details to confirm that you're the owner (like your car registration number or title). Some locksmiths can make keys on site, saving you time from having to visit a dealer.

The dealership is the best option if you don't own a spare. They will be the most familiar with your specific car and the keys that are needed to get it started. This could be costly, however, and they will not be available for assistance at the roadside.

Try an Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal you can then connect to an app on your phone. The app will show you where your keys are located, aiding you in finding them and prevent them from being lost in the first place!

Find a New Key

Everyone loses their car keys at one point or another. It could happen at the most awkward times, like at a gas station, or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's simple to locate your keys again, it could be a very stressful scenario if you don't have a spare set at home or with your family.

There are, however, options for you to get new keys in the event that you've lost the original. The process is different based on your type of key and vehicle.

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 can be done much quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, however you'll have go to the dealer. The dealership will be able to find your information and send you the correct key at a cheaper price than for an locksmith.

A locksmith might also be able to create an alternative key using the VIN number of your car, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a much less expensive alternative to going to the dealership, but it's not always possible when you own a brand new or more expensive car.

It is best to have a spare set keys. Keep it in a safe place, such as your home, so that you don't need to worry about losing it when you leave your car. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Don't forget to check places you'd never reach, like the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Be sure to check the trunk of your car if you put keys there. It's easy to forget that you left them there and they can easily get taken away if someone else leaves in your car.