How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at one time or some other time. It happens more often than people think, however it can be a major trouble.

Fortunately replacing car keys lost keys to my car can be relatively simple depending on the 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

It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly when it happens during a hectic period of time when you need to be somewhere. It's not the end of the world, and there are several steps you can take to help you find your car key replacement.

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

If you are still unable to locate your car keys, you can call a locksmith or dealership nearby for assistance. They will be able create an entirely new car key for you, and will decode your locks to ensure that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also remove the old key off your vehicle's system, so should someone manage to obtain it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your car.

Before you contact a locksmith or dealer, make sure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This is the number located on your driver's door panel or dashboard and will let them know which vehicle you own so that they can make keys that match.

Utilizing Your Memory

If you've lost your car keys, you may be anxious. But try to keep your cool. This will enable you to concentrate and thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and use the power of your memory to remember the location where you last saw your car keys last. If you're having difficulty remembering the exact location, retrace your steps again and look for any clues that might have surfaced.

If you're having no luck you can contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and the security system that it uses, and they'll be able make a replacement key that can be paired with your security chip. They can also give you tips on how to avoid any future loss of keys.

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

Not too long ago the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. Contact your local locksmith to obtain a new car key. As cars become more technological as well, so have keys become more difficult and expensive to replace. This is why it's essential to keep a spare key on hand, or at least know the amount your car dealer will charge you for a replacement in the event that you lose one.

The first thing you need to do when you lose a car key is to ensure that the key you lost is indeed missing. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants as well as the back of your car, and other places you might not normally check like the inside of a purse or shoe. Also, you should check your owner's manual to see if there are any special instructions for the kind of key you have, such as how to reset it in the event that it becomes dead.

If you've checked everything and still can't find your car keys, you should contact a professional to get new keys. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional or key fob, or switchblade) it can cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 to buy new keys. If you have a conventional key, the locksmith will usually cut a new one and reprogram it to fit your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's price which could be as high as $320 to replace a lost key.

For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll have to contact your dealer and have the vehicle towed to them to order a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they'll need to connect the new key to your vehicle electronically this could be a costly and time-consuming process. It's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to the policy so that you can get expert help if needed!

Check the security system of your car.

There is no doubt that modern cars are equipped with sophisticated security features to safeguard the contents of the car from thieves. While these features are usually an excellent thing however, they can make keys for cars more difficult to replace a lost car key. However, it's not impossible to get an alternative key for these vehicles however, the process is more involved and costly than it was in the past. The exact cost will differ depending on the kind of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of prior to getting one made.

The most straightforward type of car key you can make a spare for is the traditional double-edged key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. The cost is usually less than $10 and will work perfectly as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. Transponder chips are used in more recent models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, including locking and unlocking, switching on and off, nearby and other functions. The chips have to be programmed using a special device that is only available in some dealerships.

A local locksmith can help you if you require a spare key for these cars. They will need the model and year of the car and other details (like your registration number or title) to prove that they are the owner. Certain locksmiths are capable of making keys in-person which will save you the hassle of going to an agent.

The dealership is your best option if there isn't spare. They are the most familiar with your particular vehicle and the keys required to get it running. This can be expensive, however, and they won't be able to provide assistance on the road.

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

Find a New Key

Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It can happen in the most awkward of places such as at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your trunk. It's not difficult to locate your keys however it is stressful if you do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a companion.

Fortunately, there are still options for you to get an alternative key even if you've lost your original. The process is different based on your type of key and the vehicle you are using.

For instance, if have a standard key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This option costs less than $200, and is typically quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter,, you'll need go to the dealer. The dealer will be able to identify your details, and then send you the correct key at a cheaper price than you would pay to a locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able to create keys for replacement by using the VIN of your vehicle, so you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting the dealership however it's not always feasible if you own a newer or more expensive vehicle.

It is best to have a spare set keys. Keep it in a secure location, like your home in order to not need to think about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It is also essential to check the pockets and purses frequently particularly if you are wearing a jacket or coat with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Check your trunk to see if you have put your keys in there. It's easy to forget that you put them there, and they're easily stolen if someone else drives off in your car.