How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Everyone loses their car keys at one point or another. It happens more often than most people realize it can be a huge hassle.
Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is fairly simple depending on the type of key you have. The most basic keys can usually be made at the local hardware store if you have the VIN number or evidence of ownership.
Retract Your Steps
It's frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly if it happens during a hectic period of time when you need to be somewhere. It's not the worst thing that can happen. There are a variety of ways to find your car key replacement.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've visited and taking a look around at home and work. This will help you locate the keys by letting you know the last time you seen them.
If you are still unable to locate your car keys, call a locksmith or dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to create the new key for you and decode the existing locks on your vehicle to ensure that only the new key can start it. They'll also wipe the old key off the system of your vehicle, so should someone manage to gain access to it the key, they won't be able to drive your car.
Be sure to have your VIN handy prior to contacting an agent or locksmith. This is the number found on your driver's side dashboard or door panel and will allow them to know what car you own so they can create a new key to match.
Memory Exercises
If you've lost your car keys, you may feel panicky. Try to keep your cool. This will enable you to think clearly and search thoroughly. 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 where they were, go back your steps once more and look for any clues that might have been discovered.
If you're still having issues, contact a locksmith or dealership in your area to get help. You'll have to provide them with details about your car and the security system that it uses and they'll be able create a replacement key that will pair with your existing security chip. They'll also be able to give you suggestions on how to prevent any future loss of keys.
Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was not a big issue. Contact your local locksmith to obtain a new car key. As cars have become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and costlier. This is why it's essential to always have an extra key in your car or at a minimum, know how much your car dealership will charge to replace it if you lose one.
The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the key you lost is not actually missing. This is done by checking the pockets of the pants or jacket that you wore last time you used your car, looking inside the back seat of your vehicle or even looking in places you wouldn't usually look like the inside of a shoe or purse. Check your owner's guide to see if it has any specific instructions on how to reset the key if it is dead.
If car lost key 've checked everything and still can't locate your car keys, it is time to get an expert for an alternative. The cost of a new key can range from $50 to $200 depending on the type you have. If you own a traditional key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and modify it to fit your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's rates which can cost as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.
For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll need to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towed to them to purchase an additional key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. They'll then need to connect your new key to the vehicle electronically. This could be a costly and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you will have the assistance of a professional should you ever need it!
Check the security system of your car.
No secret is that many modern cars are equipped with sophisticated security features to safeguard the contents of the car from theft. While these features are usually a good thing but they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. It's not difficult to obtain an alternative key for these cars although the process is more complex and costly than it was in the past. The cost will be based on the type of key your car uses, which you should be aware of prior to getting one made.
The most straightforward type of car key to make a spare for is the classic double-edged key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. It will typically cost less than $10 and be a perfect backup or to start the car in case of emergency. Transponder chips are used in more recent models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, such as locking and unlocking, turning off and on, and other functions. The chips have to be programmed using a special machine that is only available at certain dealerships.
If you're in need of a spare for these more advanced types of cars, a local locksmith is likely to be able. They will require the model and year of the car as well as other information (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner. Some locksmiths can make these keys on the spot which will save you time from visiting a dealer.
The dealership is your best option if you don't own an extra. They will be the most knowledgeable about your particular vehicle and the keys that are needed to get it started. This can be expensive, however, and they won't be able to provide assistance at the roadside.
Try using a Bluetooth key tracker as an affordable alternative. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal that you can transmit to an app on your phone. The app can then show you where your keys are located, helping you find them, and stop them from being lost in the first place!
Find a new key
Everyone loses their keys at some point. It happens at the most inconvenient times, while at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to find your keys once again, it could be a very stressful scenario in the event that you don't have a spare set at home or with friends.
There are still ways to get a new key if you've lost the original. The procedure varies based on your type of key and vehicle.
If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's relatively simple to get a locksmith in your area to create a new one right on the spot. This is less than $200, and it's usually quicker than buying one from the dealer.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter,, you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will locate your information, and then send you the correct key at a lower price than you would pay to locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to create a replacement key using the VIN of your vehicle, so long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership however it's not always feasible if you own a newer or more expensive car.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is by having a spare. Place it in a secure location, like your home and you won't have to worry about putting it in the event that you leave your vehicle. It's also important to inspect your purses and pockets regularly especially if you're wearing an outerwear item with large pockets. Check places you might not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Be sure to double-check the trunk of your car, if you've put keys there. It's easy to forget you put them in there and they can easily get stolen if someone else drives off in your car.