How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Every car owner loses their keys at one time or another. It happens more often than people realize, however, and it can be a big hassle.

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

Retract Your Steps

It's a hassle to lose your car keys, especially when it happens during a busy period of time when you need to be somewhere. It's not the most frustrating thing that can happen. There are many ways to locate your car key replacement.

You must first retrace your steps. You can do this by going back to the places you have been and looking around, at both the workplace and at home. This will give you an idea of the last location you remember seeing your keys, and may help you find the location they might be.

If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, call a locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able create an entirely new key for you and also decode the locks on your vehicle, so that only the new key can start it. They will also delete the old key, so that if anyone manages to get it, they aren't able to drive your vehicle.

Before you call an expert locksmith or dealer, make sure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This is the number located on your driver's side door panel or dashboard, and it will let them know which vehicle you own so that they can create an appropriate key for your vehicle.

Making Use of Your Memory

You may be tempted panic at the thought of losing your car keys however, be calm. This will enable you to think clearly and search thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and use the power of your memory to recall the exact location you last were last able to see your car keys. If you're having trouble remembering the exact location, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that may have surfaced.

If you are experiencing issues, call a locksmith or dealership in your area to get help. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle and its security system and they'll create a replacement key that is compatible with your security chip. They'll also be able to provide you with steps to prevent key loss.

Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).

Not too long ago losing or misplacing car keys was not a big deal. You could simply call your local locksmith and have a new key made. As cars become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and more expensive. This is why it's essential to always have a spare key around, or at least be aware of the price your car dealership will charge you for a replacement if you lose one.

The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the key you lost keys in car car keys with no spare (secret info) is actually missing. Check the pockets of your pants or jacket as well as the back of your car, and other places you may not normally look, such as the inside of your shoe or purse. Go through the owner's manual to determine if it contains any special instructions on how to reset the key if it becomes dead.

If you've checked everything and still haven't found the car keys, then it's time to call an expert to obtain a new key. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to more than $200 based on the type you have. If you have an old-fashioned key, you can usually have the locksmith simply cut a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a new key.

For a key fob, or switchblade key, you'll have to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towed to them to order an additional key for your vehicle based on the VIN. Then, they'll need to connect the new key to your vehicle electronically this can be an expensive and time-consuming procedure. This is why it's a great idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can get the assistance of an expert 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 designed to protect the contents of the car from thieves. While these features are usually an excellent thing but they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting an alternative key for these vehicles, but the process is more complex and expensive. The exact cost will vary based on the type of key your car uses, which you should be aware of before getting one made.

The classic double-edged car key can be made into a spare at any hardware store or dealership. The price is typically less than $10, and is perfect as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. The latest 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. These chips need to be programmed using a special machine that is available only at certain dealerships.

A local locksmith can help you with a spare key for these vehicles. They'll need the model and year of your vehicle as well as other details to prove that you're the owner (like your car registration number or title). Some locksmiths will be able to make these keys onsite, saving you the time of having to visit an agent.

If you do not have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best person to ask because they know the vehicle and what keys you'll need to get started with it. This could be costly, however, and they won't be open for roadside assistance.

For a much more affordable alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal that you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app will then provide you with the whereabouts of your keys, helping you to find them and preventing them from getting i lost my car keys in the first place!

Get a new key

Everybody loses their keys at some point. It can happen in the most unavoidable of situations, such as at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your trunk. It's not difficult to locate your keys however it can be stressful if you do not have an extra set of keys at home or with a companion.

Fortunately, there are still options to obtain new keys in the event that you've lost the original. The process is different based on your type of key and the vehicle you are using.

If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's relatively simple to get a locksmith in your area to make a replacement right on the spot. This is less than $200 and can be done much faster than buying one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, you'll have to go to the dealer. The dealer will be able to locate your details and provide you with the right key at a lower cost than what you would pay for an locksmith.

If you have evidence of ownership like a registration or title, a locksmith may be able to create a new key using your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to going to the dealership however it's not always possible when you own a newer or more expensive vehicle.

It is recommended to have a spare set of keys. Keep it in a safe place, such as your home, so you don't need to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. Check your pockets and purses frequently, particularly if you wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoe in the event that you wear runners. Check your trunk to see if you have left the keys there. It's easy to forget that you left them there and they can easily get stolen if someone else takes off in your vehicle.