How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Everyone loses their car keys at one point or another. It happens more often than people think, but it can be a major hassle.
Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is relatively easy, depending on what type of key you have. The most basic keys can usually be made at a local hardware store if you have the VIN number or proof of ownership.
Retract your steps
It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially if it happens during a busy period of the day when you need to be somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world, and there are several steps you can take to help you find your car key replacement.
You must first retrace your steps. This involves going back through the places you've been and looking around at home and work. This will give you an idea of where you've seen your keys, and may help you find the location they might be.
If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll need to call a local locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll be able to 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 obtain it, they aren't able to drive your vehicle.
Before you speak to a locksmith or dealer ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. This is a number that's located on your driver's side door panel or dashboard and will inform them of the car you drive so they can design keys that match.
Using car keys lost replacement might be tempted to panic at the thought of losing your car keys however, be calm. This will allow you to concentrate and conduct a thorough search. Close your eyes and relax. Then, use your memory to remember the last time you viewed your keys. If you're having difficulty remembering where they were, retrace your steps and search for any clues that might have been discovered.
If you are still having trouble, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. You'll be required to provide details about your vehicle and the security system that it uses and they'll create a replacement key that can be paired with your existing security chip. They'll also provide you with preventive measures to avoid future key loss.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car were not a huge issue. car keys lost replacement could simply call your local locksmith to make a new key. As cars have become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and more expensive. It's important to have an extra car key, or to be aware of the cost of a replacement in case you lose yours.
The first thing you need to do when you lose a car key is to ensure that the lost key is indeed missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the pants or jacket you wore when you last used your car, looking in the backseat of your vehicle as well as checking out areas you don't normally see like the inside of a shoe or purse. Check your owner's guide to determine if there are any special instructions on how to reset the key if it is dead.
If you've done everything you can and still can't find the car keys, then you should contact an expert to obtain new keys. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional keys, key fobs or switchblade) it can cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 to get a new one. If you have a conventional key, the locksmith will usually cut a new one and reprogram it to match your car. This is a less expensive alternative to paying a dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a replacement key.
You'll need to contact your dealer and request that your vehicle towing to them so they can obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to pair your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can be costly and a lengthy process. This is why it's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can get the assistance of a professional if you ever need to!
Check the security system of your car.
It's not a secret that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that are designed to keep the contents of the vehicle safe from theft. While these features are usually beneficial but they can also make the car keys more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to obtain an alternative key for these cars however, the process is more complicated and expensive than in the past. The cost of a new key will vary on the kind of vehicle you have. It is important to know this before ordering one.
The easiest type of car key you can make a spare for is the classic double-edged key which can be re-used at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. It typically costs less than $10 and be a perfect backup or to start the car in the event of an emergency. Modern models of automobiles, however, use transponder chips in the keys to control various aspects of the vehicle including locking and unlocking to turning on and off. These chips need to be programmed with a specific device that is only available at certain dealerships.
If you're in need of an extra for these more sophisticated automobiles, a locksmith in your area is likely to be able. They will need the model and year of the car, along with some other information (like your registration number or title) to confirm that they are the owner. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on the spot, saving you time from visiting a dealer.
The dealership is your best option if you don't have a spare. They are the best person to ask because they know the car and the keys you'll need to get started with it. This can be expensive, however, and they won't be able to provide assistance at the roadside.
Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an alternative that is affordable. These devices attach to your key ring, and emit an audio signal that you can then connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will show you where your keys are located, helping you find them, and stop them from being lost in the first place!
Get a New Key
Everyone loses their car keys at one point or another. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, while at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's simple to find your keys again, this can be a stressful experience when you don't have an extra set at home or with your friends.
There are, however, alternatives to purchase a new key in the event that you've lost the original. The procedure is dependent on the kind of key you have and the vehicle you are using.
For instance, if you have a standard key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to get a locksmith to make a replacement on the spot. This option costs less than $200, and is often quicker than getting one from the dealership.
lost vehicle keys 'll need to go to the dealer if you own a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealer will find your information and will send you the right key at a cheaper price than you'd pay locksmith.
A locksmith might also be able to create keys for replacement by using the VIN of your vehicle, so you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a much less expensive alternative to going to a dealership, but it's not always possible when you have a newer or more expensive car.
It is advisable to have a spare set of keys. Place it in a secure location, such as your home in order to not need to think about leaving it in the event that you leave your vehicle. It is also essential to check pockets and purses regularly, especially if you wear an outerwear item with large pockets. Don't forget to check places that you would not normally reach, such as the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Check your trunk to see if you have left keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your car.