How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that everyone loses car keys at some moment in time. It happens more often than most people realize, and it can be a big trouble.
Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys can be relatively simple, depending on what type of key you have. The most basic keys can be made at an area hardware store, provided you provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.
Retract Your Steps
It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially when it happens during a hectic period of the day when you have to go somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing that could happen to you. There are several ways to find your car key replacement.
You must first retrace your steps. You can do this by returning to the places you have been and taking a look around, both at home and at work. This will help you find the keys, telling you when you last seen them.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, call an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to make an entirely new car key for you, and decode your existing locks so that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also erase the old key to ensure that if anyone manages to steal it, they aren't able to use your vehicle.
Be sure to have your VIN on hand before you contact a dealer or locksmith. It's located on your driver's dashboard or door, and it will allow them to know what car you drive so they can make an appropriate key for your vehicle.
Making Use of Your Memory
You may be tempted panic at the thought of losing your car keys However, be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search thoroughly. Close your eyes and relax. Then utilize your memory to recall the last time you viewed your keys. If you can't remember where your keys were, retrace the steps and search for clues.
If you're still having issues, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. You'll need to provide them with details about your car and its security system and they'll be able create a replacement key that can be paired with your existing security chip. They'll also provide suggestions on how to prevent any future loss of keys.
Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).
In the past the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge problem. Call your local locksmith and find a replacement car key. As cars become more high-tech as well, so have keys, making them more expensive and difficult 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.
The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to confirm that the key you lost is indeed missing. Examine the pockets of your pants or jacket, the backseat, and other places you might not normally check like the inside of your purse or shoe. It is also advisable to look through the owner's manual to see if there are any specific instructions for the type of key you own for example, how to reset it in case it dies.
If you've tried everything but you are still unable to locate your car keys, then it's time to call an expert to request an alternative key. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to more than $200 based on the type you have. If you have a traditional key, you can usually get the locksmith to cut a new one and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's price, which could be as high as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.
For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have your car towed in for them to order a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they'll need to pair your new key with your vehicle electronically. This can be costly and a lengthy process. This is why it's a great 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!
Verify the security system of your vehicle.
It's not a secret that a lot of modern cars come with fancy security features that are designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from thieves. These features make it harder to replace the car keys. It's still possible to get an alternative key for these vehicles, but the process is more difficult and costly. The exact cost will differ according to the type of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of prior to having one made.
The classic car key with a double edge can be made into a spare at any hardware store or dealership. The cost is usually less than $10 and will work perfectly as a backup key or to start your car in an emergency situation. Modern models of cars, however incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control different aspects of the vehicle from locking and unlocking to turning on and off. These chips need to be programmed with a special machine, which is typically only available through certain dealerships.
If you're looking to create an extra for these more advanced models of automobiles, a locksmith in your area should be able to help. They'll need the year and model of your vehicle as well as other details to prove that you're the owner (like your car registration number or title). Certain locksmiths are able to make keys on the spot, saving you the time of having to go to a dealer.
The dealership is your best option if you don't have spare. They are the best person to talk to because they are familiar with your car and what keys you'll need to get started with it. lost keys replacement can be costly and they won't be able to provide roadside assistance.
If you want a less expensive alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal that you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are located, helping you locate them and preventing them from getting lost in the first place!
Get a new key
Everyone loses their keys at some time or another. It can happen in the most awkward of places like at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard to find your keys again however it can be stressful if you do not have an extra set of keys at home or with a companion.
There are ways to get a replacement key if you've lost the original. The procedure will depend on the type of key you own and the vehicle you are using.
For instance, if you have a traditional key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder it's easy to get a locksmith to make a replacement on the spot. This option is less than $200 and can be done quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealer.
If you have a key fob equipped with an external transmitter, however, you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealership will be able locate your information and send you the correct key at a lower cost than what you would pay for locksmith.
If you have evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration, a locksmith may be able to create keys using your VIN. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting a dealership. However, it may not be feasible if your vehicle is newer or has a high price.
It is recommended to have a spare set keys. Place it in a safe location, such as your home, so that you don't need to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to inspect your purses and pockets regularly particularly if you are wearing a jacket or coat with large pockets. Examine places that you may not usually 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 you put them in there and they're easily taken away if someone else drives off in your car.