How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact that we all lose car keys at some moment in time. It happens more often than people realize, however, and it can be a big hassle.
It is possible to replace lost car keys, dependent on the type of key that you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at an area hardware store, provided you provide the VIN number or proof of ownership.
Retract your Steps
Losing your car keys can be difficult, especially when it happens at a hectic time of the day and you need to get somewhere. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways you can assist you in finding your lost car key replacement .
The first thing to do is go back to where you started. This means going back through the places you've been and looking around at home and work. This will help you locate the keys by telling you where you last saw them.
If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll want to call an auto locksmith or a local locksmith for assistance. They'll be able to make an entirely new key for you, and decode the existing locks on your vehicle so that only the new key is able to start it. They'll also remove the old key to ensure that if anyone does manage to obtain it, they aren't able to use your vehicle.
Be sure to have your VIN in hand prior to contacting a dealer or locksmith. This number is found on the door of the driver or dashboard. It will inform them of the vehicle you own and they will be able to create keys that are compatible with.
Utilizing Your Memory
You may be tempted panic at the thought of losing your car keys However, keep your cool. This will help you think clearly and search more deeply. Relax your eyes and close them. Then you can use your memory to remember the last time you viewed your keys. If you're having trouble remembering where they were, retrace your steps again and look for any clues that may have surfaced.
If you're having no luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealer to get help. You'll need to provide them with specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create a new key that matches your existing security chip. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent future key losses.
Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car were not a huge issue. Call your local locksmith and find a replacement car key. But as cars have become more advanced, so too have their keys become more difficult and expensive to replace. It's essential to have an extra car key, or to know the cost of a replacement in the event you lose yours.
It is important to first find out if the key really missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the jacket or pants you wore when you last used your car, or looking in the backseat of your vehicle, and even checking places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Also, straight from the source should check your owner's manual to determine if there are specific instructions for the type of key you have, such as how to reset it in case it becomes dead.
If you have checked all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it is time to get an expert for a new one. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob, or switchblade) it can cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 to buy a new one. If you have a standard key, the locksmith will typically cut a new key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle. This is a cheaper alternative than paying the dealer, who may charge up to $320 for a new key.
You'll need to contact your dealer and request that your car towed to them so they can purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to connect the new key with your vehicle electronically, which can be an expensive and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a great idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you will have the assistance of an expert if you ever need it!
Check your vehicle's security system
It's no secret that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features designed to protect the contents of the car from theft. While these security features are generally an excellent thing however, they can make keys for the car more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to obtain an alternative key for these cars although the process is more involved and costly than in the past. The exact cost will vary depending on the kind of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of prior to getting one made.
The easiest type of car key you can create a spare key for is the classic double-edged key that can be replaced at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. The cost is typically less than $10 and can be used 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 various aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to turning on and off. These chips need to be programmed by a special machine, which is typically only available at some dealerships.
When you need to make a spare for these more advanced models of cars, a local locksmith will be able to assist. They will need to know the year and model of your vehicle and other details to confirm that you're the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Certain locksmiths are able to make these keys onsite, saving you the time of going to dealers.
The dealership is your best option if you don't have a spare. They are the best place to ask because they know the car and the keys you require to start it. This can be expensive, but they won't be available for assistance at the roadside.
If you want a less expensive alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring, emitting signals that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are located, helping you find them and prevent them from being lost in the first place!
Get a New Key
Every car owner loses their 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 simple to find your keys again, it can be a very stressful situation when you don't have an extra set at home or with your friends.
There are still ways to get a new key if you've lost the original. The process varies depending on the type of key and vehicle.
For instance, if you have a traditional key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder, it's relatively simple to have a locksmith make an immediate replacement. This option costs less than $200, and it's often quicker than getting one from a dealership.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, however you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will be able to locate your information and send you the correct key for a much lower price than you would pay when you visit an locksmith.
A locksmith might also be able to make keys for replacement by using the VIN number of your car, as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a much less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership, but it's not always feasible if you own a newer or more expensive car.
It is advisable to have a spare set keys. Keep it in a safe location, like your home, so that you do not have to be concerned about losing it when you leave your car. It's also important to check pockets and purses regularly particularly if you are wearing an outerwear item 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. Also, make sure to check the trunk of your car if you put the keys down there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone steals your car.