How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

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

Fortunately replacing car keys lost is relatively easy depending on the type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys made at your local hardware store.

Retract your steps

Losing your car keys is difficult, especially when it happens at a busy time of the day and you need to get somewhere. It's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways to help you locate the replacement car key you lost.

You must first retrace your steps. This can be done by going back to the places you've been and looking around, at both the workplace and at home. This will give you an idea of where you remember seeing your keys and can lead you to the location they might be.

If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, call an auto locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to make 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 erase the old key so that if anyone manages to obtain it, they can't drive your vehicle.

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

Using Your Memory

You may be tempted to panic at the thought of losing your car keys, but keep your cool. This will help you think clearly and search more thoroughly. Close your eyes and take a moment to relax. Then you can use your memory to recall the last time 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, contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll need to provide them with details about your car and its security system and they'll make a replacement key that will pair with your security chip. They'll also be able to give you advice on how to prevent any future loss of keys.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car were not a huge problem. Call your local locksmith to get a new car key. As cars have become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and costlier. It's important to have a spare car key or to know the cost of replacing it in the event you lose yours.

The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the key you lost is not actually missing. Examine the pockets of your pants or jacket along with the backseat and other places you may not normally check for, like the inside of a purse or shoe. Go through the owner's manual to determine if there are specific instructions on how to reset your key if it is dead.

If you've tried all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to call an expert for an alternative. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional, key fob or switchblade), it will cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 to buy an alternative one. If you own an old-fashioned key, you could have the locksmith simply cut a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying the dealer, who may charge up to $320 for a replacement key.

You'll need to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towing to them so they can purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to pair the new key to your vehicle's electronic key this can be an expensive and lengthy process. It's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to ensure that you receive expert assistance if you need it!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

It's not a secret that a lot of modern cars have fancy security features that help keep the contents of the vehicle safe from theft. These features make it harder to replace the car keys. It is still possible to obtain an alternative key for these cars, however the process is more complex and lost car key how to replace expensive. The exact cost will vary based on the kind of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of prior to having one made.

The easiest kind of car key to create a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key which can be re-used at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. The cost is usually less than $10 and can be used as a backup key to start your car in a dire situation. Modern models of cars, however utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control various aspects of the car, from locking and unlocking to switching on and turning off. These chips must be programmed using a specific machine, which is generally only available at certain dealerships.

When you need to make a spare for these more sophisticated cars, a locksmith local to you is likely to be able. They will require the model and year of the car and other details (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner of the vehicle. Some locksmiths can make keys on site, saving you time from visiting dealers.

If you don't have a spare car, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They'll be the most familiar with your car's model and the keys required to start it. It could be costly and they may not be available for roadside assistance.

Try an Bluetooth key tracker for an alternative that is affordable. These devices connect to your key ring and Lost Car Key How To Replace emit an audio signal that you can then connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will show you where your keys are, aiding you in finding them and prevent them from getting lost car key how to replace (Magachem writes) in the first place!

Get a new key

Everybody loses their keys at some time or another. It could happen at the most awkward times, like at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to find your keys again, this can be a stressful experience when you don't have a spare set in your home or with your family.

There are ways to get a new key if you've lost your original. The procedure varies based on your type of key and vehicle.

If you have an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to make a new one right on the spot. This option is less than $200 and can be completed much faster than buying one from a dealership.

You'll need to go to the dealer if you own remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealer will locate your information, and send you the correct key at a cheaper price than you'd pay locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able create keys for replacement with the help of the VIN of your vehicle, so you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper option than visiting a dealership. However, it may not be a possibility when your car is older or expensive.

The best method to avoid losing your keys is by having a spare. Keep it in a safe place, like your house and you won't have to worry about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you have coats or jackets with large pockets. Check places you might not usually reach, such as the inside of your shoes if you wear runners. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car, if you've put keys there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen if someone drives away in your car.