How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It happens more than people think, but it is a huge inconvenience.

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys can be relatively simple depending on the type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys at the local hardware store.

Retract your steps

It's a hassle to lose your car keys, especially if it occurs during a busy time of the day when you're required to be somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing that can happen. There are a variety of ways to find your car key replacement.

You must first retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've visited and looking around, both at home and work. This will give you a good idea of the last place you remember seeing your keys and can lead you to the location they might be.

If you still can't locate your car keys, contact a locksmith or dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to create a new car keys for you, and also decode your locks to ensure that only the key can start the vehicle. 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 you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. This number is located on the driver's door panel or on the dashboard. It will inform them of the vehicle you own, so they can make keys that are compatible with.

Memory Exercises

If you lose your car keys, you might be frightened. However, try to keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and conduct a thorough search. Close your eyes, relax and use the power of your memory to remember where you were last able to see your car keys. If you're struggling to remember where they were, retrace your steps again and look for any clues that might have been discovered.

If you are still having trouble, contact a locksmith or dealership in your area to get help. You'll have to provide them with details about your vehicle and its security system and they'll be able to make a replacement key that will pair with your security chip. They'll also be able to give you advice on how to prevent any future loss of keys.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

In the past losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a big issue. Call your local locksmith to obtain a new car key. But as cars have become more technological as well, so have keys becoming more difficult and expensive to replace. It's essential to have a spare car key or to be aware of the cost of a replacement in the event that you lose yours.

You must first determine if the key is really missing. This is done by checking the pockets of the clothing that you wore last time you used your car, or looking in the backseat of your car or even looking in places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or purse. Look through your owner's manual to determine if it contains any specific instructions on how to reset your key if it becomes dead.

If you've checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it is time to contact a professional for the replacement. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional, key fob, or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50 to $200 to get an alternative one. If you have a conventional key, the locksmith can usually cut a new one and modify it to fit your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's rates which could be as high as $320 to replace the lost car key what to do key.

For a key fob, or switchblade key, you'll need to contact your dealer and have your car towed in for them to request the new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. They will then have to pair your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can be costly and a lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can get the assistance of a professional if you ever need to!

Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.

It's no secret that a lot of modern cars have fancy security features that help keep the contents of the vehicle safe from thieves. While these security features are generally beneficial, they can also make the car keys more difficult to replace. Fortunately, it's not impossible to obtain an alternative key for these cars however, the process is more involved and costly than in the past. The exact cost will differ based on the kind of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of prior to having one made.

The easiest type of car key you can make a spare for is the classic double-edged key which can be re-used at any locksmith, hardware store or car dealership. It will typically cost less than $10 and will work just fine as a backup or to start the car in an emergency. More recent models of cars, however, incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control various aspects of the vehicle from locking and unlocking to turning on and off. The chips have to be programmed with a specific machine that is only available at certain dealerships.

A local locksmith can help you if you need an extra key for these vehicles. They'll need the year and model of your car and other information to verify that you are the owner (like your car registration number or title). Some locksmiths are able to make these keys onsite which will save you the hassle of having to go to dealers.

If you don't have a spare car, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best person to talk to because they are familiar with the car and the keys you require to start it. It can be expensive, and they will not be able to provide roadside assistance.

To get a more affordable alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal you can transmit to an app on your phone. The app will then display the location of your keys helping you locate the keys and preventing them from being lost in the first instance!

Find a new key

Everyone loses their keys at some point. It can happen at the most awkward times, like at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's easy to find your keys once again, it could be a very stressful situation when you don't have a spare set in your home or with your family.

There are still ways to get a new key in case you've lost your original. The process varies depending on your kind of key and your vehicle.

If you have an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to create a new one immediately. This is less than $200 and can be done much faster than buying one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob equipped with an external transmitter, you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will be able find your information and then send you the correct key at a lower price than you'd pay a locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able to create keys for replacement using the VIN number of your car, as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to going to the dealership, but it's not always feasible if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle.

The best way to prevent losing your keys is having a spare. Keep it in a secure location, like your home, so you don't need to worry about losing it if you leave your car. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you wear a coat or jacket with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you wear runners. Make sure you check your trunk if 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 steals your car.