How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some moment in time. It happens more frequently than people realize, however, and it can be a huge hassle.

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

Retract your steps

It's frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly if it occurs during a busy period of the day when you need to be somewhere. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world, and there are several steps you can take to help you find the replacement car key you lost.

The first thing you have to do is go back to where you started. This involves going back through the places you've been and taking a look around at home and work. This will help you locate the keys, letting you know when you last seen them.

If you're unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you'll need to call an area locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll be able create an entirely new key for you, and decode the locks on your vehicle to ensure that only the new key can start it. They'll also erase the old key, so that if someone does manage to steal it, they can't drive your vehicle.

Before you contact an expert locksmith or dealer, ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. This number is found on the door of the driver or dashboard. It will allow them to know what car you own so they can create keys that are compatible with.

Memory Exercises

You may be tempted to be scared of losing your car keys however, keep your cool. This will allow you to concentrate and conduct a thorough search. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and use the power of your memory to recall where you found your car keys the last time. If you can't remember the location of your keys, retrace the steps and search for clues.

If you are still having issues, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. You'll be required to provide details about your car and the security system it has, and they'll be able create a new key that is compatible with your security chip. They'll also guide you on steps to prevent key loss.

Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was not a major problem. Call your local locksmith and find a replacement car key. However, as cars have become more high-tech as well, so have keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. It's essential to have a spare car key or to know the cost of replacing it in the event you lose yours.

You should first check to determine if the key is really missing. Examine 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. Also, you should check your owner's manual to see if there are any specific instructions for the kind of key you own for example, how to reset it in case it goes dead.

If you've tried everything and still can't locate your car keys, it's time to get a professional for an alternative. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to more than $200, based on the kind you own. If you have an old-fashioned key, you can usually have the locksmith simply cut a new one and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a cheaper alternative than paying the dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a new key.

You'll need to call your dealer and request that your vehicle towing by them to allow them to obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to connect the new key with your vehicle's computer which is a costly and time-consuming process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can have the help of a professional should you ever require it!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

It's not a secret that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that are designed to protect the contents of the car from theft. These features can make it more difficult to replace keys for your car. However, it's not impossible to get a new key for these cars although the process is more complex and expensive than it was in the past. The cost of a new key will depend on the type of vehicle you own. It is essential to be aware of this prior ordering one.

The classic double-edged car key can be turned into a spare at any hardware store or at a dealership. It will typically cost less than $10 and will work just fine as a backup or to start the car in the event of an emergency. Transponder chips are employed in more recent models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, including locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. The chips have to be programmed using a special machine that is available only in some dealerships.

A locksmith in your area can assist you with a spare key for these vehicles. They'll need the model and year of the vehicle, along with some other information (like your registration number or title) to prove that they are the owner. Some locksmiths will be capable of making keys on the spot, saving you the time of having to visit an agent.

The dealership is your best option if you don't have spare. They'll be the most familiar with your car's model and the keys that are required to get it running. It can be expensive, and they will not be able to provide roadside assistance.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are located, helping you locate them, and stop them from being lost my key in the first place!

Get a New Key

Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It happens at the most awkward times, like at a gas station, or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's easy to find your keys again, it can be a very stressful scenario when you don't have a spare set in your home or with your friends.

There are, however, alternatives to purchase new keys even if you've lost car key service your original. The process varies depending on your type of key and the vehicle you are using.

For instance, if you have a key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder, it's easy to get a locksmith to make a replacement on the spot. This is less than $200 and can be done much quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob equipped with an external transmitter, however you'll have go to the dealer. The dealer will be able to locate your information, and will send you the right key at a lower price than you'd pay a locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able create keys for replacement with the help of the VIN number of your car, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting an auto dealer however, it's not always feasible if you have a newer or more expensive car.

The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having an extra. Keep it in a secure place, like your house in order to not have to worry about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to inspect pockets and purses regularly especially if you're wearing a jacket or coat with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places you'd never reach, such as the inside of your shoes if you have on runners. Also, make sure to check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys down there. It's easy to forget that you put them there, and they're easily taken away if someone else leaves in your car.