How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Every car owner loses their keys at some point or some other time. It happens more often than people think however it is a huge inconvenience.

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is relatively easy depending on the kind of key you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at the local hardware store if you provide the VIN number or proof of ownership.

Retract Your Steps

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

The first thing you have to do is go back to where you started. This means going back to the places you've visited and looking around, both at home and work. This will give you a good idea of where you recalled seeing your keys, and may help you find where they might be.

If you can't find your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll need to contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll be able to make a new car key for you, and will decode the locks you have in place so that only the key can start the vehicle. They'll also remove the old key from your vehicle's system, meaning that should someone manage to get their hands on it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your vehicle.

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

Using Your Memory

If you've lost your car keys, you might feel panicky. Try to keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and look more deeply. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and use the power of your memory to recall the exact location you last saw your car keys last. If you're having difficulty remembering where they were, retrace your steps and search for any clues that could have surfaced.

If you're not getting any luck, contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and its security system and they'll be able to make a replacement key that is compatible with your security chip. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent any future loss of keys.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. Contact your local locksmith to find a replacement car key. As cars become more advanced and sophisticated, so have their keys, making them more expensive and difficult to replace. This is why it's essential to always keep a spare key around or at a minimum, know how much your car dealership will charge to replace it if you lose one.

It is important to first find out if the key really missing. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants along with the backseat and other places 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 the key in case it stops working.

If you've checked everything and still can't locate your car keys, it's time to get an expert for an alternative. The cost of a new key can range from $50 to $200, based on the kind you own. If you own a traditional key, you could get the locksmith to make a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a less expensive alternative to paying a dealer, who may charge up to $320 for a new key.

For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to call your dealership and have your vehicle towed to them to request an additional key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they'll need to pair the new key to your vehicle's electronic key, which is a costly and time-consuming procedure. It's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to ensure that you get expert help if needed!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

It's not a secret that a lot of modern cars come with fancy security features designed to protect the contents of the car from theft. Although these features are typically beneficial but they can also make the car keys more difficult to replace. It's not difficult to get an alternative key for these cars although the process is more complicated and costly than it was in the past. The exact cost will differ according to the type of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of before getting one made.

The most straightforward kind of car key to create a spare key for is the classic double-edged car key that can be replaced at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. It is usually less than $10 and will be a perfect backup or to start the car in the event of an emergency. More recent models of cars, however, use transponder chips in the keys to control various aspects of the vehicle, from locking and unlocking to switching on and turning off. The chips have to be programmed using a specific machine, Replacing Lost Car Keys which is typically only available at certain dealerships.

If you're in need of an extra for these more advanced models of automobiles, a locksmith in your area will be able to assist. They will need to know the year and model of your car as well as other information to verify that you are the owner (like the registration number of your car key lost or title). Some locksmiths are able to make these keys onsite and save you the hassle of having to visit a dealer.

If you don't have a spare car, the alternative is the dealership. They are the most knowledgeable about your specific car and the keys that are required to start it. This can be costly, however, and they will not be open for roadside assistance.

If you want a less expensive alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit an audio signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are, helping you locate them and preventing them from getting lost in the first place!

Find a New Key

Everybody loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen at the most inconvenient of times like at a gas station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. Although it's simple to find your keys once again, this can be a very stressful scenario if you don't have a spare set at home or replacing Lost car keys with friends.

Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase a new key in the event that you've lost the original. The process depends on the type of key you have and the car you drive.

For example, if you have a standard key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder it's easy to have a locksmith create an immediate replacement. This will cost less than $200 and is often quicker than getting one from a dealership.

You'll need to visit the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will find your information and send you the correct key for a lower cost than you would pay to a locksmith.

If you have proof of ownership, like an official title or registration or registration, a locksmith might be able to make keys using your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealership however it's not always possible if you have a newer or more expensive car.

The best method to avoid losing your keys is having an extra. Place it in a secure location, like your home, so that you don't need to think about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It is also essential to check the pockets and purses frequently particularly if you are wearing a coat or jacket with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't usually reach, such as the inside of your shoe in the event that you wear runners. Make sure you check your trunk if have left the keys there. It's easy to forget you put them there, and they can easily get stolen if someone else drives off in your car.