How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some point. It happens more often than people think and can be a major trouble.
It is possible to replace lost car keys dependent on the type of key 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
The loss of your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a hectic time of the day when you need to get somewhere. It's not the most frustrating thing in the world. There are several ways to find your car key replacement.
The first thing you have to do is to retrace your steps. This can be done by returning to the places you've been to and taking a look around, both at home and at work. This will give you an idea of where you remember seeing your keys, and may guide you to where they could be.
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 to get help. They'll be able to create an entirely new car key for you, and also decode your locks to ensure that only the key will be able to start the car. They'll also erase the old key, so that if anyone does manage to get it, they aren't able to use your vehicle.
Before you contact a locksmith or dealer, ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This number is found on the driver's door panel or dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you own and they will be able to create keys that are compatible with.
Memory Exercises
If you've lost your car keys, you might be frightened. However, try to keep your cool. This will allow you to concentrate and search thoroughly. Close your eyes and take a moment to 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 may have been discovered.
If you're not getting any luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealership to get help. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and the security system that it uses, and they'll be able to create a new key that is compatible with your existing security chip. They'll also be able advise you on ways to prevent future key loss.
Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
Not too long ago, misplacing-or losing-your car keys wasn't a big problem. You could call your local locksmith and have a new key made. As cars become more advanced and sophisticated, so have their keys becoming more expensive and difficult to replace. It is essential to have an extra car key or to know the cost of replacing it in case you lose yours.
It is important to first see if the key is really missing. Examine the pockets of your jacket or pants along with the backseat and other places you may not normally go like the inside of a shoe or purse. Also, you should go through your owner's manual and see if there are any special instructions for the kind of key you own like how to reset it in the event that it dies.
If you've tried all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to get an expert to get a new one. The cost of a new key will range from $50 to $200 depending on the type you own. If you have an old-fashioned key, you can get the locksmith to cut a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's rates which can cost as much as $320 to replace the lost key.
You'll need to contact your dealer and get your vehicle towing for them to order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. They will then have to connect your new key to the vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you can get the assistance of a professional if you ever require it!
Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.
It's not a secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features designed to protect the contents of the car from theft. While these features are usually beneficial, they can also make the car keys 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 exact cost will differ depending on the kind of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of prior to getting one made.
The classic double-edged car key can be turned into a spare at any hardware store or at a dealership. It typically costs less than $10 and work just fine as a backup or to start the car in the event of an emergency. Transponder chips are utilized in the most recent models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, such as locking and unlocking, switching off and on, as well as other functions. These chips must be programmed using a specific machine, which is usually only available at some dealerships.
When you need to make a spare for these more sophisticated cars, a locksmith local to you will be able to assist. They'll need the year and model of your car and other details to prove that you are the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Some locksmiths are able to make keys in-person, saving you the time of having to visit a dealer.
If you don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They'll be the most familiar with your particular vehicle and the keys that are needed to get it started. This can be costly, however, and they won't be open for roadside assistance.
If you want a less expensive alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit signals that you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are, helping you locate them, and stop them from getting lost in the first place!
Get a new code
Everybody loses their keys at some point. It can happen at the most unavoidable of situations like at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's easy to find your keys again, this can be a very stressful situation in the event that you don't have an extra set at home or with friends.
Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase an alternative key if you have lost the original. The procedure will depend on the type of key you own and the vehicle you are using.
For example, if you have a standard key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder it's fairly easy to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This is less than $200 and is often quicker than getting one from a dealership.
You'll need to go to the dealer if you own a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealer will find your information and then send you the correct key at a cheaper price than you would pay to a locksmith.
If you have evidence of ownership, like the title or registration or a certificate of ownership, a locksmith might be able to make keys using your VIN. This is a much cheaper alternative than going to a dealer. However, it might not be possible if your vehicle is newer or expensive.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is having a spare. Place it in a secure location, such as your home, so that you don't have to worry 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 a jacket or coat with large pockets. Check places you might not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Check your trunk to see if you have left the keys there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen when someone steals your car.