How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It happens more frequently than people think, but it can be a big hassle.
Fortunately replacing car keys lost is fairly simple, depending on what type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys made at your local hardware store.
Retract your Steps
It's frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly if it happens during a hectic time of the day when you need to be somewhere. It's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways you can assist you in finding the replacement car key you lost.
The first thing to do is go back to where you started. This means going back through the places you've been and looking around, both at home and work. This will give you a good idea of where you've seen your keys, and may help you find the location they might be.
If you still can't locate your car keys, you can call a locksmith or dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to make an entirely new car key for you, and also decode your existing locks so that only the key can start the car. They'll also remove the old key, so that if anyone does manage to steal it, they aren't able to drive your car.
Be sure to have your VIN on hand before contacting an agent or locksmith. The VIN is on the driver's door panel or on the dashboard. It will inform them of the car you own so they can create keys that match.
Memory Exercises
If you lose your car keys, you might be anxious. But try to remain calm. This will allow you to concentrate and thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and utilize the power of your memory to remember the exact location you last were last able to see your car keys. If lost car key and no spare having trouble remembering the exact location, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that may have surfaced.
If you're having no luck, contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system that it uses and they'll be able make a replacement key that is compatible with your security chip. They'll also be able to advise you on ways to prevent future key loss.
Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
In the past losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a big problem. You could simply contact your local locksmith and have a new key made. As cars become more sophisticated and sophisticated, so have keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and costlier. This is why it's essential to always keep an extra key in your car or at a minimum, know the amount the dealership for your car will charge for a replacement if you lose one.
linked webpage need to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the lost key is not actually missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the clothing that you wore last time you used your car, or looking at the back of your car or even looking in places you wouldn't usually look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Look through your owner's manual to determine if there are 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's time to contact a professional for the replacement. The cost of a new one will vary from $50 to over $200, based on the kind you have. If you own a traditional key, the locksmith will typically cut a new key and modify it to fit your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's price that could be as high as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.
If you want a key fob or switchblade keys, you'll need to call your dealership and have the car towed in for them to purchase a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they'll need to pair your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can 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 will have the assistance of a professional if you ever need to!
Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.
It's not a secret that many modern cars have fancy security features designed to protect the contents of the car from theft. While these features are usually beneficial, they can also make the car keys more difficult to replace. It is still possible to obtain a replacement key for these vehicles, but the process is more complicated and expensive. The cost will be according to the type of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of prior to having one made.
The classic car key with a double edge can be converted into a spare by visiting any hardware store or dealership. The cost is usually less than $10, and it will work perfectly as a backup key or to start your car in an urgent situation. More recent models of automobiles, however, incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control various aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. The chips have to be programmed by a special machine, which is typically only available through certain dealerships.
If you're looking to create a spare for these more advanced models of cars, a locksmith local to you should be able to help. They'll need the model and year of your car as well as other information to verify that you are the owner (like the registration number on your car or title). Certain locksmiths can create keys on site, saving you time from needing to visit dealers.
If you don't have a spare, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They are the best people to ask because they know your car and what keys you'll need to get started with it. This could be costly however, and they will not be open for assistance at the roadside.
Try using a Bluetooth key tracker as an affordable alternative. 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 will provide you with the whereabouts of your keys, aiding you in finding the keys and preventing them from getting lost in the first place!
Get a new key
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. lost car key and no spare can happen in the most inconvenient of times such as at a gas station or while loading groceries into your car. Although it's easy to find your keys again, it could be a very stressful situation when you don't have a spare set at home or with your family.
Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase new keys if you have lost the original. The process depends on the kind of key you have and the vehicle you are using.
For instance, if you have a key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder, it's easy to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This is less than $200, and is typically quicker than purchasing one from the dealership.
You'll need to go to the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will locate your information, and will send you the right key at a cheaper price than you'd pay a locksmith.
If you have evidence of ownership like a registration or title or a certificate of ownership, a locksmith might be able to create a new key using your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative than visiting a dealership. However, it might not be a possibility in the case of a vehicle that is older or expensive.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is by having an extra. Keep it in a safe location, such as your home, so that you do not have to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to inspect your purses and pockets regularly especially if you're wearing a jacket or coat with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places you'd never reach, like the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you have put keys there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone steals your vehicle.