How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that we all lose car keys at some moment in time. It happens more frequently than people think, however it can be a major trouble.
It is possible to replace lost car keys depending on the type of key that you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys made at the local hardware store.
Retract Your Steps
Losing your car keys can be difficult, especially when it happens at a busy time of day and you have to go somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways to help you locate the replacement car key you lost.
You should first retrace all your steps. This means going back to the places you've been to and taking a look around, both at home and work. This will help you locate the keys, letting you know where you last was able to see them.
If you're unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll want to call an area locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll be able to create an entirely new car key for you, and will decode your locks to ensure that only the key will be able to start the vehicle. They'll also remove the old key out of your vehicle's system, so even if someone does get their hands on it the key, they won't be able to drive your car.
Be sure to have your VIN handy before you contact a dealer or locksmith. This is the number located on your driver's side dashboard or door and will inform them of the vehicle you own so that they can make keys that match.
Using Your Memory
If you've lost your car keys, you could feel panicky. Try to remain calm. This will enable you to think clearly and search thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and use the power of your memory to recall the location where you last saw your car keys last. If you're having difficulty remembering where they were, go back your steps and search for any clues that might have been discovered.
If you're not getting any luck, contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll then be able create keys that match your security chip. They can also give you advice on how to prevent future key losses.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
In the past losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a huge problem. You could simply contact your local locksmith and have a new key made. But as cars have become more high-tech as well, so have keys become more expensive and difficult to replace. This is why it's crucial to always have a spare key on hand, or at least know how much your car dealership will charge you to replace it if you lose one.
The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to ensure that the lost key is actually missing. This is done by checking the pockets of the pants or jacket that you wore last time you used your car, looking at the back of your car as well as checking out places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or purse. Check your owner's guide to see if it has specific instructions on how to reset the key in case it stops working.
If you've checked everything and still can't find your car keys, it's time to contact an expert to obtain new keys. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional keys, key fobs or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50 to $200 to buy an alternative one. If you have an old-fashioned key, you can usually get the locksmith to make a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a less expensive alternative to paying the dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a replacement key.
For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll have to call your dealership and have the car towing in to order an additional key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they will have to pair the new key to your vehicle electronically this can be an expensive and time-consuming procedure. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can have the help of a professional should you ever need it!
Check the security system of your car.
It's no secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from theft. Although these features are typically beneficial, they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. It's not difficult to obtain a new key for these cars, though the process is more involved and costly than in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the kind of vehicle you own. It is important to be aware of this prior to purchasing one.
The classic double-edged car key can be turned into a spare key at any hardware store or at a dealership. The cost is typically less than $10, and it is perfect as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. More recent models of cars, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control different aspects of the car, from locking and unlocking to turning on and off. These chips need to be programmed using a specific machine, which is usually only available through certain dealerships.
When you need to make a spare for these more sophisticated automobiles, a locksmith in your area is likely to be able. They will need to know the model and year of your vehicle and other details to confirm that you're the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Some locksmiths are capable of making keys in-person, saving you the time of having to go to a dealer.
If you don't have a spare, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They are the most familiar with your specific car and the keys that are required to start it. It can be costly and they may not be able to assist you on the road.
To get a more affordable alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal you can then connect to an app on your phone. The app will show you where your keys are located, helping you locate them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!
Get a new key
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It could happen at the most inconvenient times, while at a gas station, or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to locate your keys again, this can be a very stressful situation if you don't have a spare set in your home or with friends.
There are ways to get a new key in case you've lost your original. The procedure varies based on the type of key and the vehicle you are using.
For instance, if you have a traditional key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder, it's relatively simple to have a locksmith make a replacement on the spot. This will cost less than $200 and can be done much faster than buying one from a dealership.
You'll need to visit the dealer if you have an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealership will be able to find your information and issue you the correct key at a cheaper price than what you would pay for an locksmith.
If you have proof of ownership, such as the title or registration or registration, a locksmith might be able to create an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to going to a dealership however, it's not always possible if you own a brand new or more expensive vehicle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is by having a spare. Keep it in a secure place, such as your home, so you don't need to worry about losing it if you leave your car. It's also important to check pockets and purses regularly, especially if you wear a coat or jacket with large pockets. Check places you might not usually reach, such as the inside of your shoes in the event that you wear runners. Double-check your trunk if you have left keys in there. It's easy to forget that you put them in there and they're easily stolen if someone else leaves in your car.