How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

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

Fortunately replacing car keys lost is fairly simple depending on the kind of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys made at your local hardware store.

Retract Your Steps

Losing your car keys is difficult, especially when it happens at a busy time of day and you have to go somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing that can happen. There are several ways to find your car key replacement.

You must first retrace your steps. This can be done by going back to the places you've been and looking around, both at your home and work. This will give you an idea of the last location you've seen your keys, and may guide you to where they could be.

If you still can't locate your car keys, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to create a new key for you and also decode the existing locks on your vehicle so that only the new key will be able to start it. They'll also wipe the old key from your vehicle's system, so should someone manage to gain access to it the key, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.

Before you contact a locksmith or dealer ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. This number is located on the driver's door or on the dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you own and they will be able to create keys that match.

Using Your Memory

If you've lost your car keys, you could feel panicky. But try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and lost look more deeply. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and use the power of your memory to remember the location where you last were last able to see your car keys. If you're unable to recall where your keys were you were, go back to the steps and look for lost clues.

If you're unable to solve the problem try contacting a locksmith in your area 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 create a replacement lost car keys key that can be paired with your existing security chip. They'll also guide you on ways to prevent future key loss.

Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a major problem. Call your local locksmith and get a new car key. As cars become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and costlier. This is why it's crucial to always keep an extra key in your car or at a minimum, know how much the dealership for your car will charge to replace it if you lose one.

The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the key you lost is not actually missing. Check the pockets of 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. Go through the owner's manual to see if it has specific instructions on how to reset your key if it becomes dead.

If you've done everything you can and you are still unable to locate your car keys, then you should contact a professional to get new keys. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional, key fob or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50 to $200 to buy a new one. If you have a conventional key, the locksmith can usually cut a new one and modify it to fit your vehicle. This is a cheaper alternative to paying the dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a new key.

For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll have to contact your dealer and have the car towing in to request a new key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. Then, they will have to pair the new key to your vehicle's computer which could be a costly and time-consuming process. It's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy so that you can get expert help if needed!

Check Your Vehicle's Security System

It's no secret that many modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that protect the vehicle's content from thieves. These features can make it more difficult to replace car keys. However, it's not impossible to find a new key for these vehicles however, the process is more involved and costly than in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the kind of vehicle you own. It is essential to be aware of this prior to purchasing one.

The classic car key with a double edge can be converted into a spare at any hardware store or dealership. The price is typically less than $10 and can be used as a backup key or to start your car in an emergency situation. The latest models of cars, however use transponder chips in the keys to control different aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to turning on and off. These chips must be programmed with a special machine, which is generally only available at certain dealerships.

When you need to make an extra for these more sophisticated cars, a local locksmith will be able to assist. They'll need the year and model of your vehicle as well as other details to confirm that you are the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site, saving you time from visiting an agent.

If you don't have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They are the best people to talk to because they are familiar with your car and what keys you require to start it. This can be expensive but they won't be open for roadside assistance.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an alternative that is affordable. These devices are attached to your key ring, emitting an audio signal that you can then connect with an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are, helping you find them, and stop them from being lost in the first place!

Get a new key

Every car owner loses their keys at some point or another. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, while at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. It is not difficult to find your keys however it can be stressful if do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a friend.

There are, however, options for you to get an alternative key if you have lost the original. The process varies depending on the kind of key and your vehicle.

If you have an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance, it is relatively easy to have a local locksmith make a replacement immediately. This option costs less than $200 and is typically quicker than purchasing one from the dealer.

You'll need to go to the dealer if you own remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to identify your details, and send you the correct key at a cheaper price than you would pay to a locksmith.

If you have proof of ownership, such as an official title or registration or registration, a locksmith might be able create a new key using your VIN. This is a much less expensive alternative to going to 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 by having a spare. Keep it in a secure location, such as your home, so you do not have to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. It is also essential to check your purses and pockets regularly particularly if you are wearing an outerwear item with large pockets. Check places you might not normally reach, like the inside of your shoes in the event that you wear runners. Make sure you check your trunk if have put your keys in there. It's easy to forget that you put them there, and they could easily be stolen if someone else takes off in your vehicle.