How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that everyone loses car keys at some moment in time. It happens more often than people think and can be a major inconvenience.
It is possible to replace lost car keys depending on the type of key you have. The most basic keys can be made at a local hardware store if you provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.
Retract Your Steps
It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially if it happens during a hectic time of the day when you have to go somewhere. It's not the most frustrating thing in the world. There are keys lost to locate your car key replacement.
The first thing to do is retrace your steps. This means going back through the places you've been and looking around, both at home and work. This will give you a good idea of where you recalled seeing your keys and could help you find the location they might be.
If you can't find 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 a new car keys for you, and also decode your existing locks so that only the key is able to start the vehicle. They'll also erase the old key out of your vehicle's system, meaning that if someone does manage to gain access to it, they won't be able to drive your car.
Be sure to have your VIN in hand before you contact the locksmith or dealer. This is the number located on your driver's side dashboard or door, and it will let them know which car you drive so they can create an appropriate key for your vehicle.
Memory Exercises
If you've lost your car keys, you may feel panicky. But try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and search more deeply. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and make use of your memory to remember the exact location you last saw your car keys last. If you're having difficulty remembering the exact location, retrace your steps again and look for any clues that may have surfaced.
If you're having no luck, contact a local locksmith or dealer to get help. You'll have to provide them with details about your vehicle and its security system and they'll be able create a replacement key that will pair with your existing security chip. They'll also be able to advise you on steps to prevent key loss.
Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
A few years ago losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a big issue. Call replacing lost car keys to obtain a new car key. As cars become more technological, so too have their keys, making them more expensive and difficult to replace. It's important to have an extra car key, or to know the cost of replacing it in the event you lose yours.
The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the lost key is not actually missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the clothing you wore when you last used your car, or looking at the back of your vehicle or even looking in places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or purse. Go through the owner's manual to see if it has specific instructions on how to reset your key in case it stops working.
If you've checked everything and still can't locate your car keys, it is time to get a professional for the replacement. The cost of a new key can vary from $50 to over $200 depending on the type you have. If you own a traditional key, you can usually get the locksmith to make a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a new key.
You'll need to contact your dealer and request that your vehicle towing for them to purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to pair the new key with your vehicle electronically which can be an expensive and time-consuming process. It's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to ensure that you get expert help if needed!
Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.
There is no doubt that modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features to protect the vehicle's content from theft. While these security features are generally beneficial but they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. Fortunately, it's not impossible to get an alternative key for these vehicles however, the process is more complex and costly than it was in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the type of vehicle you have. You should be aware of this prior ordering one.
The classic double-edged car keys can be converted into a spare at any hardware store or dealer. The price is typically less than $10 and can be used as a backup key to start your car in a dire situation. Transponder chips are utilized in the latest models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, such as locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. These chips need to be programmed using a special machine that is available only in some dealerships.
A local locksmith can help you if you require an extra key for these cars. They'll need the year and model of your car, as well as some other information to verify that you are the owner (like your car registration number or title). Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site, saving you time from having to visit an agent.
If you don't have a spare, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They'll be the most familiar with your particular vehicle and the keys that are needed to get it started. This can be costly, however, and they won't be available for roadside assistance.
Try using a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal that you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are, aiding you in finding them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!
Get a New Key
Everyone loses their keys at some time or another. It can happen in the most awkward of places 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 stressful experience in the event that you don't have an extra set at home or with your friends.
Fortunately, there are still options to obtain an alternative key if you have lost the original. The process varies depending on your type of key and vehicle.
If you have an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like, it is relatively easy to have a local locksmith create a new one right on the spot. This is less than $200, and is typically quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.
You'll need to go to the dealer if you have an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealership will be able to find your information and issue you the correct key at a cheaper price than for locksmith.
A locksmith might also be able to make keys for replacement with the help of your car's VIN, as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper option than visiting a dealership. However, it may not be feasible if your vehicle is newer or costly.
It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys. Place it in a safe place, such as your home, so that you don't have to be concerned about losing it when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you have an outer garment or jacket that has large pockets. Be sure to check the places that you would not normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you have on runners. Check your trunk to see if you have put your 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.