How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Every car owner loses their keys at one time or another. It happens more often than people think, however, and it can be a huge trouble.
It is possible to replace lost car keys dependent on the type of key that you have. The most basic keys can be made at a local hardware store if you can provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.
Retract your Steps
Losing your car keys can be difficult, especially when it happens at a busy time of the day when you're required to travel. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways to help you locate your car key replacement.
You should first retrace all your steps. This can be done by going back to the places you have been to and taking a look around, at both your home and work. This will give you a good idea of the last place you've seen your keys and could help you find where they could be.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, call a locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to make the 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 wipe the old key off your vehicle's system, meaning that if someone does manage to get their hands on it, they won't be able to drive your car.
Make sure you have your VIN on hand before contacting a dealer or locksmith. It's located on your driver's dashboard or door and will inform them of the car you own so they can design a new key to match.
Memory Exercises
You may be tempted to panic at the thought of losing your car keys, but be calm. This will help you think clearly and search more thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and utilize the power of your memory to remember the location where you last saw your car keys last. If you can't remember where your keys were you were, go back to the steps and look for clues.
If you're having no luck you can contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system it has and they'll create a new key that will pair with your security chip. They can also give you advice on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. Contact your local locksmith to obtain a new car key. But as cars have become more technological and sophisticated, so have their keys, making them more expensive and difficult to replace. It's important to have a spare car key or to know the cost of a replacement in the event you lose yours.
You should first check to see if the key is really missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the clothing that you wore last time you used your car, or looking inside the back seat of your car or even looking in places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or purse. Also, you should go through your owner's manual and see if there are any specific instructions for the kind of key you own for example, how to reset it if it becomes dead.
If you've tried everything but still can't find your car keys, it's time to contact a professional to get new keys. The cost of a new one will vary from $50 to over $200 depending on the type you own. If you own a traditional key, the locksmith will typically cut a new key and change it's programming to match your car. This is a cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a replacement key.
For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll need to call your dealership and have your car towed in for them to purchase a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they'll need to connect your new key with the vehicle electronically. This could be a costly and time-consuming 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 if you ever need to!
Check Your Vehicle's Security System
There is no doubt that modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that ensure that the car's contents are safe from thieves. These features can make it difficult to replace car keys. It's not difficult to get a new key for these vehicles however, the process is more complex and expensive than in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the type of vehicle you have. It is important to be aware of this prior ordering one.
The easiest type of car key you can make a spare key for is the classic double-edged key that can be purchased at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. The price is typically less than $10 and can be used as a backup key or to start your car in an emergency situation. Transponder chips are utilized in the latest models of keys to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. The chips have to be programmed using a specific machine, which is usually only available at certain dealerships.
A locksmith in your area can assist you if you need an extra key for these cars. They'll need the model and year of your vehicle as well as other details to prove that you are the owner (like the registration number on your car or title). Some locksmiths are able to make keys on the spot, saving you the time of having to visit dealers.
If you don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They'll be the most familiar with your specific car and the keys required to get it running. This can be expensive, but they won't be available for assistance on the road.
Try an Bluetooth key tracker as an affordable alternative. These devices attach to your key ring, emitting a signal you can connect to an app on your smartphone. g28carkeys.co.uk will then inform you where your keys are, helping you find them and preventing them from getting lost in the first place!
Find a New Key
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It can happen in the most awkward of places such as at a gas station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. It is not difficult to find your keys however it can be stressful if you do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a companion.
Fortunately, there are still options for you to get 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 goes into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This option is less than $200 and is quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealer.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will locate your information, and will send you the right key for a lower cost than you'd pay a locksmith.
A locksmith might also be able create a replacement key with the help of the VIN of your vehicle, so you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting an auto dealer however it's not always possible when you own a newer or more expensive car.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having an extra. Keep it in a secure location, like your home and you won't have to worry about putting it in the event that you leave your vehicle. It is also essential to check pockets and purses regularly especially if you're wearing a jacket or coat with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you wear runners. Be sure to double-check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys down there. It's easy to forget you put them in there and they can easily get stolen if a driver takes off in your vehicle.