10 Basics About Lost Car Key Replacement You Didn't Learn In School

How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life 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 lost car keys is fairly simple depending on the kind of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys at your local hardware store.

Retract your Steps

Losing your car keys is frustrating, especially when it happens at a busy time of day and you need to get somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing in the world. There are several ways to locate your car key replacement.

It is recommended to retrace your steps. You can do this by returning to the places you have been and looking around, at both the workplace and at home. This will give you a good idea of the last location you've seen your keys and can guide you to where they could be.

If you are still unable to locate your car keys, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to make the new key for you and decode the locks that are already in your vehicle so that only the new key can start it. They'll also erase the old key from your vehicle's system, so should someone manage to obtain it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your vehicle.

Be sure to have your VIN handy prior to contacting the locksmith or dealer. This number is found on the driver's door or dashboard. It will inform them of the car you own, so they can make a key that matches.

Using Your Memory

You may be tempted to panic at the thought of losing your car keys, but be calm. This will help you think clearly and look more thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and make use of your memory to remember the exact location you last found your car keys the last time. If you are unable to remember where you put your keys then retrace your steps and search for clues.

If you're not getting any luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealership for assistance. You'll need to provide them with specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create an original key that matches your security chip. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.

Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).

In the past, misplacing-or losing-your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just call your local locksmith to get a new key made. As cars become more advanced as well, so have keys becoming more difficult and expensive to replace. This is why it's crucial to keep a spare key on hand or at the very least be aware of the price your car dealership will charge for a replacement in the event that you lose one.

You must first find out if the key really missing. Check the pockets in your jacket or pants as well as the back of your car lost key, and other places you might not normally look, such as the inside of your purse or shoe. Go through the owner's manual to determine if it contains any specific instructions on how to reset your key if it is dead.

If you've checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it is time to contact an expert for an alternative. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional keys, key fobs or switchblade) it could cost you between $50 to $200 to buy a new one. If you own a traditional key, the locksmith will usually cut a new one and reprogram it to fit your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's price that can cost as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.

You'll need to call your dealer and request that your vehicle towing by them to allow them to order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. They will then have to pair your new key to the vehicle electronically. This could be a costly and time-consuming procedure. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you can have the help of a professional should you ever need to!

Check your vehicle's security system

No secret is that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features to protect the vehicle's content from theft. These security features can make it more difficult to replace keys for your car. It is still possible to obtain keys for replacement for these vehicles, but the process is more complicated and costly. The cost of a new key will vary on the kind of vehicle you have. You should know this before ordering one.

The most straightforward type of car key you can make a spare for is the classic double-edged car key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. It typically costs less than $10 and will work just fine as a backup or to start the car in case of emergency. Transponder chips are utilized in the latest models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, switching off and on, as well as other functions. The chips have to be programmed using a special device that is only available at certain dealerships.

A locksmith near you can assist you if you need an extra key for these advanced cars. They'll need the year and model of your vehicle as well as other details to prove that you are the owner (like your car registration number or title). Some locksmiths can make these keys on-site and save you the hassle of needing to visit dealers.

If you do not have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They will be the most familiar with your specific car and the keys required to start it. It can be costly and they won't be available for roadside assistance.

To get a more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring and emit an audio signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are, helping you locate them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!

Find a new key

Everybody loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen in the most inconvenient of times such as at a petrol station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. It's not difficult to locate your keys, but it can be stressful if you don't have an extra set of keys at home or with a companion.

There are still ways to get a replacement key in case you've lost your original. The procedure is dependent on the type of key you have 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 make a new one on the spot. This is less than $200 and can be completed much quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

You'll need to go to the dealer if you have remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to find your information and then send you the correct key for a lower cost than you'd pay locksmith.

If you have evidence of ownership such as the title or registration or registration, a locksmith might be able to make an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting an auto dealer however, it's not always feasible if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle.

It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys. Place it in a secure location, like your home and you won't have to worry about leaving it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets often, especially if you wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Check places you might not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys down there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen if someone drives away in your vehicle.