How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact that we all lose car keys at some moment in time. It happens more often than people think, however, and it can be a big hassle.
Fortunately replacing car keys lost can be relatively simple, depending on what type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys made at the local hardware store.
Retract your Steps
It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially when it happens during a busy time of the day when you need to be somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of steps you can take to help you find the replacement car key you lost.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. replacing lost car keys means going back through the places you've visited and looking around at home as well as at work. This will give you an idea of where you've seen your keys and could lead you to where they could be.
If you still can't locate your car keys, contact a locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to create a new car keys for you, and will decode your locks to ensure that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also wipe the old key out of your vehicle's system, so if someone does manage to gain access to it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your car.
Before you contact a locksmith or dealer, make sure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This is a number that's located on your driver's dashboard or door, and it will let them know which car you drive so they can create keys that match.
Memory Exercises
You may be tempted be scared of losing your car keys, but try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search more thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and utilize the power of your memory to remember where you saw your car keys last. If you're unable to recall where you put your keys you were, go back to the steps and look for clues.
If you're still having issues, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership near you for assistance. You'll be required to provide details 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'll also be able provide you with steps to prevent key loss.
Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car were not a huge issue. You could just contact your local locksmith and get a new key made. As cars have evolved, so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and more expensive. This is why it's essential to always have an extra key in your car, or at least know the amount the dealership for your car will charge you for a replacement in the event that you lose one.
The first thing you need to do when you lose a car key is to ensure that the key you lost is actually missing. Examine the pockets of your jacket or pants, the backseat, and other places you may not normally look, such as the inside of your shoe or purse. Check your owner's guide to see if it has any special instructions on how to reset your key in case it stops working.
If you have checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it is time to get an expert for the replacement. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob, or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50 to $200 to buy an alternative one. If you own a traditional key, you can have the locksmith simply cut a new one and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's price that can cost as much as $320 to replace the lost key.
For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have the car towed in for them to purchase a new key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. Then, they'll need to connect the new key with your vehicle's computer, which could be a costly and lengthy process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you will have the assistance of a professional if you ever need to!
Verify the security system of your vehicle.
It's no secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that help protect the contents of the car from theft. While these security features are generally an excellent thing however, they can make keys for the car more difficult to replace. It is still possible to obtain a replacement key for these cars, but the process is more complicated and costly. The cost will be depending on the type of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of prior to getting one made.
The classic car key with a double edge can be converted into a spare by visiting any hardware store or at a dealership. It is usually less than $10 and work just fine as a backup or to start the car in an emergency. The latest models of automobiles, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control different aspects of the car from locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. The chips have to be programmed using a special machine that is only available at certain dealerships.
A locksmith near you can assist you with an extra key for these advanced cars. They'll need the model and year of the car and other information (like your registration number or title) to verify that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site which will save you time from visiting dealers.
The dealership is the best option if you don't own a spare. They are the most familiar with your car's model and the keys required to get it running. This could be costly, but they won't be open for roadside assistance.
If you want a less expensive alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices connect to your key ring and emit a signal you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then provide you with the location of your keys, helping you locate the keys and preventing them from being lost in the first place!
Get a new key
Every car owner loses their keys at one point or another. It can happen in the most unavoidable of situations like at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard 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 new keys even if you've lost your original. The process depends on the kind of key you have and the car you drive.
For example, if you have a traditional key that fits 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 usually quicker than buying one from a dealership.
You will need to visit the dealer if you have an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to locate your information, and send you the correct key at a cheaper price than you would pay to locksmith.
If you have proof of ownership, such as a registration or title or a certificate of ownership, a locksmith might be able to make an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a cheaper option to visiting a dealership. However, it might not be feasible when your car is older or costly.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having an extra. Keep it in a safe location, like your home, so you don't need to be concerned about losing it when you leave your car. Make sure to check your purses and pockets often, especially if you have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Examine places that you may not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoes in the event that you wear runners. Double-check your trunk if you have left the keys there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen when someone drives away in your vehicle.