How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Every car owner loses their keys at some point or some other time. It happens more frequently than people realize, however it can be a big hassle.

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is fairly simple depending on the type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys at your local hardware store.

Retract your steps

Losing your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a busy time of the day and you're required to travel. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways you can help you find your car key replacement.

You should first retrace all your steps. This can be done by returning to the places you have been to and taking a look around, at both your home and work. This will help you find the keys by telling you the last time you saw them.

If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you'll need to call a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll be able to make a new car keys for you, and will decode your existing locks so that only the key can start the vehicle. They'll also remove the old key, so that if anyone manages to obtain it, they aren't able to drive your vehicle.

Be sure to have your VIN on hand prior to contacting an agent or locksmith. It's located on your driver's side dashboard or door and will let them know which car you drive so they can make keys that match.

Utilizing Your Memory

If you've lost your car keys, you could be frightened. Try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search thoroughly. Close your eyes and take a moment to relax. Then utilize your memory to remember the last time you saw your keys. If you are unable to remember the location of your keys you were, go back to the steps and search for clues.

If you're not getting any luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealership to get help. You'll have to provide them with details about your car and the security system that it uses and they'll create a new key that is compatible with your security chip. They'll also be able to provide you with steps to prevent key loss.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car were not a major issue. Call your local locksmith and obtain a new car key. 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 keep a spare key around or at a minimum, know the amount 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 confirm that the lost key is not actually missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the jacket or pants you wore when you last used your car, looking in the backseat of your car, and even checking places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or purse. It is also advisable to go through your owner's manual and see if there are any special instructions for the kind of key you have, such as how to reset it if it goes dead.

If you have checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it's time to call an expert to get an alternative. The cost of a new one will vary from $50 to over $200, based on the kind you have. If you own an old-fashioned key, you can usually have the locksmith simply cut a new one and reprogram it for your vehicle. 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 have your car towed for them to purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. Then, they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle's electronic key which can be an expensive and lengthy process. This is why it's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can get the assistance of a professional should you ever need it!

Make sure your vehicle's security system is working

There is no doubt that modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that ensure that the car's contents are safe from thieves. These security features make it harder to replace car keys. There is still a possibility of getting a replacement key for these cars, however the process is more complex and expensive. The cost of a new key will vary on the kind of vehicle you own. It is important to be aware of this prior to purchasing one.

The easiest type of car key you can create a spare key for is the classic double-edged car key that can be replaced at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. The cost is typically less than $10, and it will work perfectly as a backup key or to start your car in a dire situation. Transponder chips are utilized in more recent models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, turning off and on, as well as other functions. These chips must be programmed using a specific machine, which is usually only available through certain dealerships.

If you're in need of an extra for these more sophisticated cars, a locksmith local to you is likely to be able. They'll need the model and year of the vehicle, along with some other details (like your registration number or title) to verify that they are the owner. Some locksmiths will be able to make keys in-person, saving you the time of having to visit a dealer.

The dealership is the best option if you don't have an extra. They are the most knowledgeable about your car's model and the keys required to start it. This can be expensive, however, and they won't be able to provide roadside assistance.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker as an affordable alternative. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal that you can connect to an app on your phone. The app will then provide you with the location of your keys, helping you to find them and prevent them from getting lost car keys what to do in the first instance!

Get a New Key

Every car owner loses their keys at some point or another. It can happen at the most awkward times, like at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's easy to find your keys once again, it can be a very stressful scenario in the event that you don't have an extra set at home or with your family.

Fortunately, there are still options to obtain an alternative key if you have lost the original. The procedure is dependent on the type of key you own and the car you drive.

If you have an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to make a replacement right on the spot. This option costs less than $200 and is typically quicker than purchasing one from the dealership.

You will need to visit the dealer if you have remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to find your information and send you the correct key at a cheaper price than what you would pay when you visit an locksmith.

If you have evidence of ownership such as an official title or registration, a locksmith may be able to create keys using your VIN. This is a much cheaper alternative than visiting a dealership. However, it might not be possible if your vehicle is newer or expensive.

The best way to avoid losing your keys is having an extra. Place it in a secure location, like your home and you won't have to worry about putting it in a place when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and koreafurniture.com pockets frequently, particularly if you wear a coat or jacket with large pockets. Examine places that you may not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoe in the event that you wear runners. Make sure you check your trunk if have left keys in there. It's easy to forget you left them there and they're easily stolen if someone else takes off in your vehicle.