How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It happens more than people think, but it can be a major inconvenience.

Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is relatively easy 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 the local hardware store.

Retract your Steps

It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially when it happens during a busy period of time when you need to be somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing that could happen to you. There are several ways to locate your car key replacement.

The first thing to do is to retrace your steps. You can do this by going back to the places you've been and looking around, both at home and at work. This will help you locate the keys by telling you when you last was able to see them.

If you are still unable to locate your car keys, you can call a locksmith or dealership in your area for assistance. They'll be able to create replacing a lost car key new car keys for you, and decode your existing locks so that only the key is able to start the vehicle. They'll also remove the old key, so that if someone does manage to steal it, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.

Before you speak to a locksmith or dealer, ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. This is the number located on your driver's dashboard or door panel and will let them know which car you drive so they can create an appropriate key for your vehicle.

Utilizing Your Memory

If you've lost your car keys, you might be anxious. However, try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and conduct a thorough search. Close your eyes and relax. Then utilize your memory to recall the last place you saw your keys. If you are unable to remember where you put your keys then retrace your steps and look for clues.

If you're unable to solve the problem, contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll require details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll then create keys that match the security chip you have already installed. They'll also provide advice on how to prevent future key losses.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car were not a major problem. You could just call your local locksmith and have a new key made. But as cars have become more technological and sophisticated, so have their keys become more difficult and expensive to replace. That's why it's important to always have a spare key on hand or at the very least know the amount 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 look like the inside of your shoe or purse. It is also advisable to go through your owner's manual and see if there are any specific instructions for the kind of key you have for example, how to reset it in case it goes dead.

If you've checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it's time to get an expert to get an alternative. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to over $200, based on the kind you own. If you have a standard key, the locksmith will usually cut a new one and modify it to fit your vehicle. This is a cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who may charge up to $320 for a replacement key.

For a key fob or cost of replacing Lost car keys switchblade key, you'll need to contact your dealer and have the vehicle towed to them to request an additional key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. They will then have to connect your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can be costly and a lengthy process. This is why it's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can get the assistance of a professional should you ever need to!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

It's no secret that many modern cars come with fancy security features designed to protect the contents of the car from theft. While these security features are generally a good thing but they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. It's still possible to get an alternative key for these cars, however the process is more complex and costly. The cost of replacing lost car keys of the new key will be contingent on the kind of vehicle you have. It is essential to be aware of this prior to purchasing one.

The easiest kind of car key to create a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key that can be replaced at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. The cost is usually less than $10, and will work perfectly as a backup key or to start your car in an emergency situation. Transponder chips are utilized in the most recent models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, cost of replacing Lost car keys including locking and unlocking, switching off and on, as well as other functions. These chips need to be programmed by a special machine, which is generally only available at certain dealerships.

If you're looking to create an extra for these more sophisticated automobiles, a locksmith in your area should be able to help. They'll need the model and year of the car and other information (like your registration number or your title) to verify that they are the owner. Some locksmiths can make keys on site and save you the hassle of visiting dealers.

If you don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the most familiar with your specific car and the keys required to get it running. This can be costly, however, and they won't be able to provide assistance on the road.

To get a more affordable alternative, consider a Bluetooth key tracker. 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 will show you the location of your keys, aiding you in finding the keys and preventing them from being lost in the first place!

Find a new key

Everyone loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen in the most unavoidable of situations such as at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's simple to find 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 your family.

There are still ways to get a new key in case you've lost your original. The process varies depending on your type of key and vehicle.

For instance, if you have a traditional key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder, it's fairly easy to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This option is less than $200 and can be done much quicker than purchasing one from a dealer.

You will need to visit the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealership will be able locate your details and provide you with the correct key for a much lower price than when you visit locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able create keys for replacement by using the VIN number of your car, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper option than going to a dealer. However, it may not be feasible if your vehicle is newer or costly.

It is advisable to have a spare set of keys. Place it in a safe location, like your home, so you don't have to be concerned about losing it when you leave your car. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Examine places that you may not normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you wear runners. Be sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you put keys there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen when someone steals your vehicle.