How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

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

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys can be relatively simple depending on the kind of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys at the local hardware store.

Retract your steps

Losing your car keys is difficult, especially when it happens at a busy time of the day and you need to get somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world, and there are several ways you can help you locate your car key replacement.

The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've visited and taking a look around at home and work. This will give you an idea of where you've seen your keys, and may guide you to where they could be.

If you're unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll need to contact an area locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll be able to create the new key for you and also decode the locks that are already in your vehicle, so that only the new key can start it. They'll also wipe the old key out of the system of your vehicle, so even if someone does get their hands on it the key, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.

Make sure you have your VIN handy prior to contacting an agent or locksmith. This is the number located on your driver's side door panel or dashboard, and it will allow them to know what car you own so they can create keys that match.

Memory Exercises

If you lose your car keys, you could feel panicky. Try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search more thoroughly. Relax your eyes and close them. Then you can use your memory to remember the last place you saw your keys. If you can't remember where you put your keys, retrace the steps and search for clues.

If you're not getting any luck, contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll require information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll then create keys that match your existing security chip. They'll also be able to advise you on steps to prevent key loss.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

In the past losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could simply contact your local locksmith and get a new key made. As cars evolved and sophisticated, so have keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and more expensive. It's important to have an extra car key or to know the cost of a replacement in the event that you lose yours.

You must first see if the key is really missing. Examine the pockets of your jacket or pants as well as the back of your car, and other places that you may not normally look like the inside of your shoe or purse. Look through your owner's manual to determine if it contains specific instructions on how to reset the key in case it stops working.

If you've done everything you can and you are still unable to locate the car keys, then you should contact an expert to obtain a new key. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional, key fob or switchblade) it can cost you anything from $50-$200 to purchase new keys. If you have a traditional key, you could get the locksmith to cut a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's prices which can cost as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost key for car (listen to this podcast).

You'll need to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towing for them to obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. They'll then need to connect your new key with your vehicle electronically. This could be costly and a lengthy process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can get the assistance of a professional if you ever need it!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

It's no secret that a lot of modern cars come with fancy security features that are designed to protect the contents of the car from thieves. While these features are usually a good thing but they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to find a new key for these vehicles however, the process is more complex and expensive than in the past. The cost of a new key will vary on the type of vehicle you own. It is essential to be aware of this prior ordering one.

The most straightforward kind of car key to make a spare for is the classic double-edged car key that can be replaced at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. The price is typically less than $10, and will work perfectly as a backup key or to start your car in a dire situation. Modern models of cars, however utilize transponder chips inside 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.

A local locksmith can help you with an extra key for these vehicles. They'll need the year and lost Key for car model of your vehicle and other details to prove that you are the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Certain locksmiths are capable of making keys in-person and save you the hassle of having to visit an agent.

The dealership is your best option if there isn't a spare. They'll be the most knowledgeable about your particular vehicle and the keys needed to get it started. This can be costly however, and they won't be able to provide roadside assistance.

To get a more affordable alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring, and emit signals that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will provide you with the location of your keys, helping you to find them and preventing them from getting lost car keys cost to replace in the first instance!

Get a new key

Everyone loses their keys at some point. It could happen at the most awkward times, lost Key for car like at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's simple to find your keys once again, this can be a very stressful situation in the event that you don't have a spare set in your home or with friends.

There are still ways to obtain a replacement key if you've lost the original. The process is different based on your kind of key and your vehicle.

If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's relatively simple to have a locksmith local to create a new one immediately. This option is less than $200 and can be done much quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

You will need to visit the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to find your information and issue you the right key for a much lower price than if you went to an locksmith.

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

The best method to avoid losing your keys is by having a spare. Keep it in a safe location, like your home, so that you don't have to worry about putting it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Don't forget to check places that you would not normally reach, such as the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Check your trunk to see if you have put your keys in there. It's easy to forget you put them in there and they could easily be taken away if someone else takes off in your vehicle.