How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Every car owner loses their keys at one time or another. It happens more often than people think however it is a huge hassle.

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

Retract Your Steps

It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly when it happens during a busy period of time when you're required to be somewhere. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world, and there are several ways to assist you in finding the replacement car key you lost.

The first thing to do is to retrace your steps. This can be done by going back to the places where you've been and looking around, both at home and at work. This will give you an idea of the last place you recalled seeing your keys and can lead you to where they could be.

If you still can't locate your car keys, contact a locksmith or dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to create an entirely new car key for you, and decode your locks to ensure that only the key will be able to start the car. They will also delete the old key so that if someone does manage to get it, they won't be able to drive your car.

Make sure you have your VIN in hand before you contact the locksmith or dealer. This number is located on the driver's door or dashboard. It will allow them to know what vehicle you own so they can create a key that matches.

Memory Exercises

If you've lost your car keys, you might be anxious. However, try to remain calm. This will enable you to concentrate and search thoroughly. Relax your eyes and close them. Then utilize your memory to remember the last place you saw your keys. If you're having difficulty remembering the exact location, retrace your steps and search for any clues that could have surfaced.

If you're unable to solve the problem you can contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. You'll have to give them specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll then create a new key that matches your security chip. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.

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

It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a big issue. Call your local locksmith and obtain a new car key. As cars have become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them harder to Replace Lost Car Key and more expensive. It is essential to have an extra car key lost replacement key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in the event you lose yours.

It is important to first find out if the key really missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the clothing that you wore last time you used your car, or looking in the backseat of your vehicle as well as checking out areas you don't normally see like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Check your owner's guide to determine if it contains any specific instructions on how to reset the key in case it stops working.

If you've checked everything and still can't locate your car keys, it is time to call an expert for the replacement. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional, key fob, or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50 to $200 to get an alternative one. If you have a traditional key, you can usually have the locksmith simply make a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's prices, which can be as much as $320 to replace the lost key.

For a key fob or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towed to them to request the new key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. They will then have to connect your new key to the vehicle electronically. This could be a costly and time-consuming process. 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!

Make sure your vehicle's security system is working

It's not a secret that many modern cars have fancy security features that help protect the contents of the car from theft. While these security features are generally beneficial however, they can make keys for the car more difficult to replace. It's not difficult to obtain an alternative key for these vehicles, though the process is more involved and costly than in the past. The cost will be based on the type of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of prior to getting one made.

The easiest kind of car key to make a spare key 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 be a perfect backup or to start the car in an emergency. Transponder chips are employed in more recent models of keys to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, turning off and on, as well as other functions. The chips have to be programmed with a specific machine that is only available at certain dealerships.

If you're looking to create an additional spare for these sophisticated automobiles, a locksmith in your area is likely to be able. They'll need the model and year of the car and other information (like your registration number or title) to verify that they are the owner of the vehicle. Some locksmiths are capable of making these keys onsite and save you the hassle of having to go to a dealer.

If you don't have a spare car, the next best option is the dealership. They are the most knowledgeable about your specific car and the keys required to get it running. It could be costly and they may not be able to provide roadside assistance.

To get a more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring, and emit an audio signal that you can then connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are, aiding you in finding them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!

Get a new code

Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It can happen at the most awkward times, like at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to locate your keys again, it can be a very stressful scenario in the event that you don't have a spare set in your home or with your family.

There are still ways to get a replacement key in case you've lost your original. The process is different based on your kind of key and your vehicle.

If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's fairly easy to have a local locksmith make a replacement on the spot. This is less than $200, and is often quicker than getting one from the dealership.

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

A locksmith might also be able to create keys for replacement with the help of the VIN number of your car, as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting a dealership. However, it may not be a possibility in the case of a vehicle that is older or costly.

It is recommended to have a spare set keys. Keep it in a secure location, like your home in order to not have to worry about putting it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if have an outer garment or jacket that has large pockets. Examine places that you may not usually reach, such as the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Check your trunk to see if you have left the keys there. It's easy to forget you put them there, and they could easily be taken away if someone else takes off in your vehicle.