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 than people think however it can be a big hassle.

Fortunately the replacement of lost my car key car keys is relatively easy, depending on what type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys at the local hardware store.

Retract your steps

Losing your car keys is stressful, especially if it happens at a busy time of day and you're required to travel. It's not the worst thing that could happen to you. There are a variety of ways to locate your car key replacement.

You must first retrace your steps. This can be done by going back to the places where you've been to and taking a look around, at both the workplace and at home. This will help you locate the keys by noting where you last was able to see them.

If you are still unable to locate your car keys, call a locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to make a new car key for you, and will decode your existing locks so that only the key is able to start the vehicle. They'll also wipe the old key off the system of your vehicle, so if someone does manage to gain access to it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your vehicle.

Make sure you have your VIN in hand prior to contacting a dealer or locksmith. The VIN is on the door of the driver or dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you drive, so they can make keys that match.

Utilizing Your Memory

You may be tempted be scared of losing your car keys However, try to remain 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 saw your keys. If you are unable to remember the location of your keys you were, go back to the steps and look for clues.

If you are experiencing issues, call an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. You'll have to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system it has, and they'll create a replacement key that is compatible with your existing security chip. They can also give you advice on how to prevent any future loss of keys.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys was not a big issue. You could just call your local locksmith to make a new key. As cars evolved and sophisticated, so have keys. This makes them harder to replace a lost car key and costlier. It's important to have a spare car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in the event that you lose yours.

You should first check to see if the key is really missing. This is done by checking the pockets of the jacket or pants you were wearing when you last used your car, looking in the backseat of your vehicle as well as checking out places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Go through the owner's manual to determine if there are any specific instructions on how to reset the key if it is dead.

If you've tried everything but still can't find your car keys, then you should contact a professional to get new keys. The cost of a new one will vary from $50 to over $200, based on the kind you have. If you have a traditional key, you can get the locksmith to cut a new one and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a replacement key.

You'll need to call your dealer and get your vehicle towing by them to allow them to obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to pair the new key with your vehicle's computer which could be a costly and lengthy process. It's a great idea include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to the policy to allow you to receive expert assistance if you need it!

Make sure your vehicle's security system is working

It's not a secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that help protect the contents of the car from thieves. These features can make it more difficult to replace keys for your car. However, it's not impossible to obtain an alternative key for these vehicles, though the process is more involved and expensive than in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the type of vehicle you own. You should know this before ordering one.

The classic double-edged car keys can be turned into a spare key at any hardware store or dealer. It will typically cost less than $10 and serve as a backup or to start the car in an emergency. Transponder chips are utilized in the most recent models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, including locking and unlocking, turning off and on, as well as other functions. The chips have to be programmed using a special machine that is available only in some dealerships.

If you're in need of an extra for these more advanced types of cars, a local locksmith should be able to help. They will need to know the model and year of your car as well as other information to verify that you are the owner (like your car registration number or title). Certain locksmiths are able to make keys on the spot which will save you the hassle of going to a dealer.

The dealership is your best option if you don't own an extra. They will be the most familiar with your car's model and the keys that are needed to get it started. This can be costly however, and they won't be able to provide assistance on the road.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an alternative that is affordable. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal you can transmit to an app on your phone. The app will display the whereabouts of your keys, helping you locate them and prevent them from being lost key to my car in the first instance!

Get a new key

Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It can happen at the most unavoidable of situations like at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your car. It's not difficult to find your keys again, but it can be stressful if you don't have a spare set of keys at home or with a friend.

There are, however, alternatives to purchase a new key in the event that you've lost a car key the original. The process depends on the type of key you have and the vehicle you are using.

For instance, if you have a traditional key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to get a locksmith to make a replacement on the spot. This is less than $200 and is much faster than buying one from a dealer.

You'll need to go to the dealer if you have remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to locate your information and issue you the correct key at a lower cost than what you would pay when you visit locksmith.

If you have evidence of ownership, like the title or registration or a certificate of ownership, a locksmith might be able to make an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a much cheaper alternative than visiting a dealership. However, it may not be feasible when your car is older or costly.

The best method to avoid losing your keys is by having a spare. Keep it in a secure location, such as your home, so that you don't have to worry about leaving it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. Check your pockets and purses frequently, particularly if you wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoe in the event that you wear runners. Double-check your trunk if you have put your keys in there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your vehicle.