How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at one point or another. It happens more frequently than people think, but it can be a big trouble.

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is fairly simple depending on the type of key you own. The most basic keys can be made at the local hardware store if you provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.

Retract your Steps

It's frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly when it happens during a busy time of the day when you're required to be somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing in the world. There are a variety of ways to find your car key replacement.

You must first retrace your steps. This can be done by returning to the places where you've been and taking a look around, both at your home and work. This will give you a good idea of the last place you've seen your keys, and may guide you to where they might be.

If you still can't locate your car keys, you can call a locksmith or a dealership in your area for assistance. They'll be able to create a new car keys for you, and decode your existing locks so that only the key is able to start the vehicle. They will also delete the old key, so that if anyone manages to obtain it, they can't drive your vehicle.

Before you speak to an expert locksmith or dealer, ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. The VIN is on the driver's door panel or dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you drive, so they can make a key that matches.

Utilizing Your Memory

If you lose your car keys, you might be anxious. Try to keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and search more thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and make use of your memory to remember where you saw your car keys last. If you are unable to remember where your keys were you were, go back to the steps and search for clues.

If you're unable to solve the problem you can contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. You'll need to provide them with details about your car and its security system and they'll create a replacement key that can be paired with your security chip. They'll also be able to give you suggestions on how to prevent any future loss of keys.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car was not a huge problem. Contact your local locksmith to obtain a new car key. As cars become more advanced and sophisticated, so have their keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. This is why it's crucial to always keep a spare key on hand or at the very least know how much your car dealer will charge you for a replacement in the event that you lose one.

The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the key you lost is actually missing. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants, the backseat, and other places you may not normally check like the inside of your shoe or purse. Also, you should go through your owner's manual and find out if there are specific instructions for the type of key you have for example, how to reset it in the event that it dies.

If you've done everything you can and still can't find your car keys, then it's time to contact 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 an old-fashioned key, you could have the locksmith simply make a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's prices that can be as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.

For a key fob, or switchblade key, you'll have to call your dealership and have the vehicle towed to them to purchase an additional key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. They'll then need to pair your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and lengthy process. This is why it's a great idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can have the help of an expert if you ever need it!

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 theft. These security features can make it more difficult to replace the car keys. There is still a possibility of getting keys for replacement for these cars, however the process is more difficult and expensive. The cost of a new key will depend on the type of vehicle you own. You should know this before ordering one.

The easiest type of car key you can create a spare key for is the classic double-edged key that can be replaced at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. It is usually less than $10 and will work just fine as a backup or to start the car in an emergency. The latest models of cars, however use transponder chips in the keys to control various aspects of the car from locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. The chips have to be programmed with a special machine, which is typically only available at some dealerships.

If you're in need of an additional spare for these advanced types of cars, a local locksmith will be able to assist. They will need to know the year and model of your vehicle, as well as some other details to prove that you are the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Some locksmiths can make keys on site, saving you time from needing to visit an agent.

If you don't have a spare, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They are the best people to ask because they know the car and the keys you need to start it. This can be expensive but they won't be able to provide assistance on the road.

Try an Bluetooth key tracker as an affordable alternative. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are located, helping you locate them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!

Get a New Key

Every car owner loses their keys at one point or another. It can happen at the most awkward of places such as at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard to find your keys, but it can be stressful if do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a buddy.

There are still alternatives to purchase new keys even if you've lost your original. The procedure varies based on your type of key and vehicle.

If you own an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like, it is relatively easy to have a locksmith local to make a new one right on the spot. This option is less than $200 and can be completed much faster than buying one from a dealership.

You will need to visit the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will locate your information, and will send you the right key at a cheaper price than what you would pay a locksmith.

A locksmith might also be able to make a replacement key with the help of the VIN of your vehicle, so long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper option to visiting a dealership. However, it may not be possible if your vehicle is newer or costly.

It is advisable to have a spare set of keys lost. Keep it in a secure location, like your home, so you do not have to worry about losing it when you leave your car. Check your pockets and purses frequently, lost car key particularly if you wear a coat or jacket with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places that you would not normally reach, like the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Check your trunk to see if you have left keys in there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be stolen when someone steals your car.