How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact that we all lose car keys at some point. It happens more often than people think however it can be a big hassle.

Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is fairly 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

The loss of your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a hectic time of the day when you have to go somewhere. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways to help you find your lost car key replacement.

You must first retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've been to and looking around at home and work. This will give you an idea of where you remember seeing your keys and can help you find the location they might be.

If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, you can call a locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to create the 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 steal it, they can't drive your car.

Before you contact a locksmith or dealer, ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. This is a number that's located on your driver's side dashboard or door, and it will inform them of the car you drive so they can make a new key to match.

Memory Exercises

If you lose your car keys, you could be anxious. However, try to keep your cool. This will enable you to think clearly and thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and utilize the power of your memory to remember the location where you last found your car keys the last time. If you are unable to remember the location of your keys, retrace the steps and search for clues.

If you are still having issues, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership near you for assistance. You'll have to give them information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll then create keys that match your security chip. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent any future loss of keys.

Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past, misplacing-or losing-your car keys was not a big issue. You could call your local locksmith and make a new key. As cars become more high-tech, so too have their keys become more expensive and difficult to replace. It is essential to have an extra car key, Lost Car Keys or to know the cost of a replacement in the event that you lose yours.

It is important to first see if the key is really missing. Check the pockets in your pants or jacket, the backseat, and other places that you may not normally look for, like the inside of a purse or shoe. You should also check your owner's manual to find out if there are special instructions for the kind of key you have, such as how to replace a lost car key to reset it if it dies.

If you've checked everything and still can't locate your car keys, it's time to get a professional for an alternative. The cost of a new key can vary from $50 to more than $200 depending on the type you have. If you own a traditional key, the locksmith can typically cut a new key and change it's programming to match your car. This is less expensive than the dealer's prices, which could be as high as $320 to replace the lost key.

You'll have to contact your dealer and get your vehicle towed for them to obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. They will then have to pair your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can get the assistance of a professional should you ever need to!

Check the security system of your car.

No secret is that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features to safeguard the contents of the car from thieves. These features make it harder to replace car keys. It is still possible to obtain keys for replacement for these vehicles, but the process is more difficult and costly. The cost of a new key will vary on the type of vehicle you have. You should be aware of this prior ordering one.

The most straightforward kind of car key to make a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key that can be purchased at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. It is usually less than $10 and serve as a backup or to start the car in case of emergency. Modern models of cars, however, incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control various aspects of the vehicle including locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. These chips must be programmed using a special device that is only available at certain dealerships.

A locksmith near you can assist you if you need a spare key for these vehicles. They will require the model and year of the car as well as other information (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner of the vehicle. Some locksmiths can make keys on site and save you the hassle of needing to visit an agent.

The dealership is your best option if you don't have spare. They are the best people to speak to since they know the car and the keys you require to start it. It can be expensive and they won't be able to provide roadside assistance.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal that you can connect to an app on your phone. The app will then provide you with the location of your keys aiding you in finding them and prevent them from being lost in the first instance!

Find a New Key

Everybody loses their keys at some time or another. It can happen in the most awkward of places such as at a gas station or while loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to find your keys once again, it could be a very stressful situation if you don't have a spare set at home or with your family.

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

If you have an ignition lock cylinder key, for example, it is relatively easy to get a locksmith in your area to create a new one on the spot. This option is less than $200 and can be completed much quicker than purchasing one from a dealer.

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

If you have proof of ownership, like the title or registration or registration, a locksmith might be able to make a new key using your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership, but it's not always possible if you own a brand new or more expensive vehicle.

The best way to prevent losing your keys is having a spare. Place it in a secure location, such as your home, so that you don't have to worry about putting it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check your purses and pockets regularly, especially if you wear a coat or jacket with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you have on runners. Finally, be sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you have put the keys down there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your vehicle.