How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that we all lose car keys at some point. It happens more often than people think, however, and it can be a big problem.

Fortunately replacing lost car keys car keys lost 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 proof of ownership.

Retract Your Steps

Losing your car keys can be frustrating, especially when it happens at a hectic time of day and you're required to travel. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways to assist you in finding your car key replacement.

It is recommended to retrace your steps. This means going back through the places you've visited and looking around at home as well as at work. This will give you a good idea of the last place you remember seeing your keys and can guide you to the location they might be.

If you still can't locate your car keys, call an auto locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to make an entirely new key for you and decode the locks that are already in your vehicle, so that only the new key lost can start it. They'll also remove the old key so that if anyone does manage to obtain it, they won't be able to use your vehicle.

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

Using Your Memory

You might be tempted to fear losing your car keys However, be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and look more thoroughly. Close your eyes and relax. Then you can use your memory to remember the last time you saw your keys. If you're having trouble remembering where they were, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that could have been discovered.

If you're unable to solve the problem try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealership for assistance. They'll require specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match your existing security chip. They'll also provide advice on how to prevent future key losses.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past losing or misplacing car keys was not a big problem. Contact your local locksmith to get a new car key. As cars become more advanced as well, so have keys becoming more difficult and expensive to replace. This is why it's essential to always keep an extra key in your car, or at least be aware of the price the dealership for your car will charge you for a replacement in the event that you lose one.

You must first determine if the key is really missing. Examine the pockets of your pants or jacket as well as the back of your car, and other places you may not normally look like the inside of your shoe or purse. Also, you should go through your owner's manual and see if there are any specific instructions for the kind of key you have like how to replace car keys when lost (you could try here) to reset it in case it goes dead.

If you've tried everything but still can't find your car keys, it's time to contact an expert to obtain an alternative key. The cost of a new key can vary from $50 to more than $200 depending on the type you have. If you have a standard key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and reprogram it to fit your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative than paying the dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a replacement key.

For a key lost in car fob or switchblade key, you'll need to call your dealership and have the vehicle towed to them to purchase a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they'll need to pair your new key with the vehicle electronically. This could be costly and a lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you will have the assistance of a professional should you ever need to!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

It's no secret that a lot of modern cars have fancy security features that are designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from thieves. These features can make it difficult to replace the car keys. Fortunately, it's not impossible to find an alternative key for these cars, though the process is more complex and costly than it was in the past. The cost will be depending on the type of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of prior to getting one made.

The easiest kind of car key to make a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key that can be replaced at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. It typically costs less than $10 and work just fine as a backup or to start the car in case of emergency. The latest models of automobiles, however, incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control different 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 generally only available at some dealerships.

A locksmith in your area can assist you if you require an extra key for these cars. They will need the model and year of the car, along with some other details (like your registration number or title) to prove that they are the owner. Some locksmiths can make keys on site, saving you time from having to visit an agent.

If you do not have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They are the most knowledgeable about your specific car and the keys required to start it. It can be costly, and they will not be available for roadside assistance.

To get a more affordable alternative, consider a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring, emitting signals that you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then display the location of your keys, helping you locate them and prevent them from getting lost in the first instance!

Find a New Key

Every car owner loses their keys at one point or another. It happens at the most awkward times, like at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. It is not difficult to find your keys again, but it is stressful if you don't have an extra set of keys at home or with a companion.

Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase an alternative key even if you've lost your original. The process is different based on your type of key and vehicle.

For instance, if you have a standard key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder, it's fairly easy to have a locksmith make a replacement on the spot. This will cost less than $200 and is usually quicker than buying one from the dealer.

If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, however, you'll need go to the dealer. The dealer will be able to locate your information, and send you the correct key at a cheaper price than what you would pay locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able to make an alternative key by using your car's VIN, as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative than visiting a dealership. However, it might not be feasible in the case of a vehicle that is older or expensive.

The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having an extra. Place it in a secure location, like your home, so that you don't have to worry about leaving it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to inspect your purses and pockets regularly 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 shoes if you wear runners. Finally, be sure to double-check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys down there. It's easy to forget that you left them there and they can easily get taken away if someone else drives off in your car.