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 frequently than people think, however it can be a major trouble.

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys can be relatively simple, depending on what type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys made at the local hardware store.

Retract Your Steps

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

You should first retrace all your steps. This means going back to the places you've been to and looking around at home as well as at work. This will help you find the keys, noting when you last seen them.

If you are still unable to locate your car keys, you can call a locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They will be able create a new car key for you, and decode the locks you have in place so that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also wipe the old key out of the system of your vehicle, so if someone does manage to get their hands on it the key, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.

Make sure you have your VIN handy before contacting an agent or locksmith. This is the number located on your driver's door panel or dashboard, and it will inform them of the car you drive so they can make keys that match.

Using Your Memory

You may be tempted to be scared of losing your car keys however, keep your cool. This will enable you to concentrate and thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and use the power of your memory to recall where you found your car keys the last time. If you are unable to remember the location of your keys then retrace your steps and look for clues.

If you're unable to solve the problem you can contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. They'll require specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll then be able create an original key that matches your existing security chip. They can also give you advice on how to prevent future key losses.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a major issue. You could call your local locksmith to get a new key made. As cars have evolved and so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and more expensive. That's why it's important to keep an extra key in your car or at the very least know how much the dealership for your car will charge for a replacement in the event that you lose one.

The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the key you lost key car is indeed missing. Examine the pockets of your pants or jacket along with the backseat and other places you might not normally check for, like the inside of your purse or shoe. It is also advisable to look through the owner's manual to find out if there are specific instructions for the type of key you have, such as how to reset it in case it becomes dead.

If you've checked everything and you are still unable to locate your car keys, you should contact a professional to get new keys. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional, key fob, or switchblade) it can cost you between $50 to $200 to get new keys. If you have a standard key, a locksmith can typically cut a new key and modify it to match your car. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who may charge up to $320 for a replacement key.

You'll need to call your dealer and have your vehicle towed to them so they can obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they will have to pair the new key to your vehicle electronically which can be an expensive and lengthy process. It's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to the policy to ensure that you get expert help if needed!

Make sure your vehicle's security system is working

It's no secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features designed to keep the contents of the vehicle safe from thieves. While these security features are generally beneficial, they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. It is still possible to obtain keys for replacement for these cars, but the process is more complicated and expensive. The cost of a new key will depend on the type of vehicle you have. You should know this before ordering one.

The classic double-edged car keys can be made into a spare by visiting any hardware store or dealer. It typically costs less than $10 and nearby be a perfect backup or to start the car in case of 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, and other functions. These chips need to be programmed using a specific machine, which is typically only available at some dealerships.

A local locksmith can help you if you need a spare key for these cars. They will need the model and year of the vehicle and other details (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner. Some locksmiths can make these keys on-site, saving you time from visiting a dealer.

The dealership is your best option if there isn't an extra. They are the best person to talk to because they are familiar with the vehicle and what keys you'll need to get started with it. It can be expensive and they may not be available for roadside assistance.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker as an affordable alternative. These devices attach to your key ring, and emit an audio signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will then show you the whereabouts of your keys, aiding you in finding them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!

Find a New Key

Everybody loses their keys at some point. It can happen in the most inconvenient of times like at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your car. Although it's easy to find your keys once again, it could be a very stressful scenario when you don't have a spare set in your home or with your friends.

There are still options to obtain a new key if you have lost the original. The procedure will depend on the kind of key you have and your vehicle.

If you have an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's relatively simple to get a locksmith in your area to make a replacement right on the spot. This is less than $200 and is much quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

You'll need to visit the dealer if you own remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealership will be able to locate your details and provide you with the correct key for a much lower price than what you would pay for locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able create a replacement key by using the VIN number of your car, as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership. However, it might not be a possibility in the case of a vehicle that is older or has a high price.

The best way to avoid losing your keys is having an extra. Keep it in a safe location, such as your home in order to not have to worry about leaving it in the event that you leave your vehicle. Check your pockets and purses frequently, particularly if you wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Don't forget to check places that you would not normally reach, such as the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Check your trunk to see if you have left keys in there. It's easy to forget that you left them there and they could easily be stolen if someone else drives off in your car.