How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It happens more frequently than people think and can be a major trouble.

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

Retract your Steps

It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, Replace Lost Car Key especially if it occurs during a busy period of the day when you have to go somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing in the world. There are several ways to find your car key replacement.

It is recommended to retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've been and looking around at home as well as at work. This will help you locate the keys by noting where you last seen them.

If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you'll want to call a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll be able to create a new key for you and decode the locks that are already in your vehicle to ensure that only the new key can start it. They'll also erase the old key out of the system of your vehicle, so should someone manage to gain access to it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your car.

Be sure to have your VIN in hand before contacting a dealer or locksmith. This is the number located on your driver's side door panel or dashboard and will inform them of the vehicle you own so that they can design a new key to match.

Making Use of Your Memory

You may be tempted to be scared of losing your car keys, but keep your cool. This will enable you to concentrate and search thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and use the power of your memory to remember where you found your car keys the last time. If you're having trouble remembering where they were, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that may have been discovered.

If you are still having trouble, contact a locksmith or dealership in your area for help. They'll require specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match the security chip you have already installed. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent any future loss of keys.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could contact your local locksmith and get a new key made. As cars have evolved and so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and more expensive. This is why it's crucial to always keep a spare key on hand, or at least know how much your car dealership will charge for a replacement if you lose one.

The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to ensure that the lost key is not actually missing. Check the pockets in your jacket or pants along with the backseat and other places that you may not normally check like the inside of a purse or shoe. Also, you should look through the owner's manual to find out if there are special instructions for the kind of key you own like how to reset it if it becomes dead.

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 own (traditional, key fob, or switchblade) it can cost you anything from $50 to $200 to buy a new one. If you have an old-fashioned key, you could get the locksmith to make a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's prices, which can cost as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.

For a key fob or switchblade keys, you'll need to call your dealership and have the car keys lost replacement towed in for them to order a new key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. Then, they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle's electronic key this could be a costly and time-consuming procedure. It's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to ensure that you get expert help if needed!

Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.

There is no doubt that modern vehicles come with advanced security features that ensure that the car's contents are safe from thieves. While these features are usually beneficial but they can also make the car keys more difficult to Replace Lost Car Key. It's not difficult to obtain a new key for these vehicles although the process is more involved and costly than it was in the past. The exact cost will vary according to the kind of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of before getting one made.

The most straightforward kind of car key to make a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. It will typically cost less than $10 and work just fine as a backup or to start the car in case of emergency. The latest models of cars, however incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control different aspects of the vehicle from locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. These chips need to 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 locksmith local to you is likely to be able. They'll need the model and year of your car as well as other details to prove that you are the owner (like your car registration number or title). Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site which will save you time from needing to visit an agent.

If you don't have a spare, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They'll be the most familiar with your particular vehicle and the keys required to start it. This can be costly, 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, emitting a signal you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then show you the location of your keys, helping you to find them and prevent them from being lost in the first place!

Find a new key

Every car owner loses their keys at some point or another. It happens at the most awkward times, like at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to find your keys again, this can be a very stressful situation in the event that you don't have a spare set at home or with friends.

Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase new keys if you have lost the original. The process depends on the kind of key you have and the car you drive.

If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's relatively simple to get a locksmith in your area to make a new one immediately. This will cost less than $200, and is typically quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

You will need to visit the dealer if you have a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to locate your information, and then send you the correct key at a cheaper price than you would pay to a locksmith.

If you have proof of ownership, such as a registration or title, a locksmith may be able to make an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to going to a dealership however, it's not always possible when you own a brand new or more expensive car.

The best way to avoid losing your keys is having an extra. Place it in a safe location, like your home, so you don't have to be concerned about losing it when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you have coats or jackets with large pockets. Don't forget to check places you wouldn't normally reach, such as the inside of your shoes if you are on runners. Check your trunk to see if you have left keys in there. It's easy to forget you left them there and they can easily get taken away if someone else leaves in your car.