How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Every car owner loses their keys at one point or another. It happens more often than people think and can be a major hassle.

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is fairly 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 at your local hardware store.

Retract Your Steps

The loss of your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a busy time of day and you need to get somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world, and there are several ways you can help you find your lost car key replacement.

You should first retrace all your steps. This means going back to the places you've visited and looking around at home and work. This will give you a good idea of the last location you recalled seeing your keys and can guide you to where they might be.

If you are still unable to locate your car keys, you can call an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They will be able create an entirely new car key for you, and decode your locks to ensure that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also erase the old key so that if anyone does manage to steal it, they can't drive your car.

Before you contact a locksmith or dealer ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. It's located on your driver's side door panel or dashboard and will inform them of the car you own so they can create keys that match.

Memory Exercises

If you lose your car keys, you might be frightened. However, try to keep your cool. This will help you think clearly and search more deeply. Close your eyes, relax and make use of your memory to recall the location where you last found your car keys the last time. If you can't remember where your keys were you were, go back to the steps and look for clues.

If you're still having issues, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll require information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll be able to create a new key that matches your security chip. They'll also be able to guide you on preventive measures to avoid future key loss.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

In the past losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a huge problem. Call your local locksmith to get a new car key. However, as cars have become more technological as well, so have keys, making them more expensive and difficult to replace. It is essential to have an extra car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in case you lose yours.

The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the key you lost key to car is indeed missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the pants or jacket you wore when you last used your car, or looking in the backseat of your car or even looking in places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or purse. You should also look through the owner's manual to see if there are any specific instructions for the type of key you own like how to reset it in the event that it becomes dead.

If you've tried everything but still can't find your car keys, it's time to call a professional to get an alternative key. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to over $200 based on the type you own. If you have a traditional key, you can usually have the locksmith simply cut a new one and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's price which could be as high as $320 to replace a lost key replacement key.

You'll have to contact your dealer and request that your car towed by them to allow them to order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to pair your new key with your vehicle electronically. This can be costly and a lengthy process. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you will have the assistance of a professional should you ever need to!

Check your vehicle's security system

It's no secret that many modern vehicles are fitted with advanced security features that safeguard the contents of the car from thieves. These features can make it more difficult to replace car keys. However, it's not impossible to obtain an alternative key for these vehicles, though the process is more complicated and costly than it was in the past. The cost of a new key will vary on the kind of vehicle you have. It is important to be aware of this prior ordering one.

The most straightforward type of car key you can make a spare for is the classic double-edged key that can be purchased at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. The cost is usually less than $10 and will work perfectly as a backup key or to start your car in a dire situation. Transponder chips are employed in more recent models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, turning on and off, and other functions. These chips must be programmed with a specific machine that is available only at certain dealerships.

A local locksmith can help you if you need a spare key for these advanced cars. They'll need the year and model of your car and other details to confirm that you're the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Some locksmiths will be capable of making these keys onsite, saving you the time of having to go to an agent.

If you do not have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best people to talk to because they are familiar with the vehicle and what keys you need to start it. This can be costly, but they won't be available for assistance at the roadside.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker as an alternative that is affordable. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will show you where your keys are, helping you locate them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!

Find a new key

Everybody loses their keys at some point. It happens at the most inconvenient times, while 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 at home or with friends.

There are still ways to get a new key if you've lost the original. The procedure is dependent on the kind of key you have and your vehicle.

If you own an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like it's relatively simple to have a local locksmith make a replacement on the spot. This option costs less than $200 and Replacing Lost Car Keys is usually quicker than buying one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, however you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealership will be able locate your information and Replacing Lost Car Keys send you the right key at a lower cost than for an locksmith.

A locksmith might also be able to make an alternative key using the VIN of your vehicle, so long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership however, it's not always feasible if you own a newer or more expensive vehicle.

It is best to have a spare set of keys. Keep it in a safe location, like your home and you won't need to think about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check pockets and purses regularly, especially if you wear a jacket or coat with large pockets. Examine places that you may not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Double-check your trunk if you have left keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be stolen when someone drives away in your vehicle.