How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Every car owner loses their keys at some point or some other time. It happens more often than people think, however it can be a huge hassle.
Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is relatively easy depending on the type of key you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at the local hardware store if you provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.
Retract your steps
It's a hassle to lose your car keys, especially when it happens during a hectic period of the day when you need to be somewhere. It's not the end of the world, and there are several steps you can take to help you locate your lost car key replacement.
The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This can be done by returning to the places where you've been to and taking a look around, both at your home and work. This will give you a good idea of the last place you remember seeing your keys, and may guide you to where they could be.
If you're unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll want to call a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll be able create the new key for you and decode the existing locks on your vehicle so that only the new key will be able to start it. They'll also remove the old key so that if anyone manages to obtain it, they aren't able to drive your car.
Before you contact a locksmith or dealer ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. The VIN is on the driver's door panel or dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you own and they will be able to create keys that match.
Utilizing Your Memory
You might be tempted to panic at the thought of losing your car keys However, try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search more thoroughly. Relax your eyes and close them. Then utilize your memory to recall the last place you saw your keys. If you're struggling to remember where they were, go back your steps again and look for any clues that could have surfaced.
If you're not getting any luck you can contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. You'll have to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system that it uses and they'll be able create a new key that will pair with your existing security chip. They'll also be able to guide you on steps to prevent key loss.
Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car were not a big problem. Contact your local locksmith to get a new car key. As cars have become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and more expensive. This is why it's crucial to always have a spare key around, or at least know how much your car dealer will charge you to replace it if you lose one.
The first thing you need to do when you lose a car key is to make sure that the key you lost is not actually missing. Check the pockets of your pants or jacket along with the backseat and other places you might not normally check like the inside of your purse or shoe. Go through the owner's manual to determine if it contains any special instructions on how to reset the key if it becomes dead.
If you've tried all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact an expert for an alternative. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional, key fob or switchblade), it will cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 to get a new one. If you have a traditional key, you can get the locksmith to make a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a less expensive alternative to paying a dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a new key.
You'll have to contact your dealer and request that your vehicle towing for them to obtain 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 lengthy process. It's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to allow you to receive assistance from a professional if needed!
Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.
It's no secret that a lot of modern cars come with fancy security features that help keep the vehicle's contents safe from theft. While these security features are generally a good thing but they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting an alternative key for these vehicles, but the process is more complicated and costly. The cost will be based on the type of key your car is using, and you must be aware of prior to having one made.
The most straightforward kind of car key to create a spare key for is the classic double-edged car key that can be purchased at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. It is usually less than $10 and work just fine as a backup or to start the car in the event of an emergency. lost car key no spare are employed in the most recent models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, switching off and on, as well as other functions. These chips need to be programmed using a special machine that is available only in some dealerships.
If you're looking to create a spare for these more advanced types of cars, a local locksmith will be able to assist. They will require the model and year of the vehicle as well as other information (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on the spot, saving you time from visiting dealers.
If you do not have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best place to ask because they know the car and the keys you'll need to get started with it. This can be costly, however, and they won't be available for assistance on the road.
Try an Bluetooth key tracker as an alternative that is affordable. These devices are attached to your key ring, and emit a signal you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will provide you with the whereabouts of your keys, aiding you in finding them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!
Find a New Key
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. It is not difficult to find your keys, but it can be stressful if do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a buddy.
There are ways to get a new key in case you've lost your original. The procedure will depend on the kind of key you have and the car you drive.
If you have an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's fairly easy to have a local locksmith make a new one right on the spot. This option costs less than $200 and is typically quicker than purchasing one from the dealer.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, however, you'll need go to the dealer. The dealership will be able to locate your information and send you the correct key for a much lower price than you would pay for locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to make a replacement key with the help of your car's VIN, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to going to an auto dealer, but it's not always feasible if you own a brand new or more expensive vehicle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is having an extra. Keep it in a secure location, like your home in order to not have to worry about leaving it in the event that you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check the pockets and purses frequently especially if you're wearing a coat or jacket with large pockets. Be sure to check the places you'd never reach, such as the inside of your shoes if you have on runners. Finally, be sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you put the keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken if someone drives away in your vehicle.