How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that everyone loses car keys at some point. It happens more frequently than people think, however, and it can be a big trouble.

Fortunately replacing car keys lost is relatively easy depending on the type of key you have. The most basic keys can usually be made at an area hardware store, provided you provide the VIN number or proof of ownership.

Retract Your Steps

Losing your car key lost keys is stressful, especially if it happens at a busy time of the day and you have to go somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world, and there are several steps you can take to assist you in finding your lost car key replacement (blog post from Nitka).

You should first retrace all your steps. This can be done by returning to the places where you'i ve lost my car keys what can i do been and looking around, both at home and at work. This will help you locate the keys by noting where you last saw them.

If you still can't locate your car keys, call an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for assistance. They'll be able create an entirely new key for you and also decode the existing locks on your vehicle to ensure that only the new key can start it. They will also delete the old key to ensure that if someone does manage to get it, they can't drive your vehicle.

Before you call an expert locksmith or dealer, ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. This is a number that's located on your driver's door panel or dashboard and will inform them of the vehicle you own so that they can create an appropriate key for your vehicle.

Memory Exercises

If you lose your car keys, you might feel panicky. But try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and search more deeply. Close your eyes and relax. Then, use your memory to recall the last time you viewed your keys. If you are unable to remember where you put your keys you were, go back to the steps and look for clues.

If you're unable to solve the problem try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealership for assistance. You'll have to give them information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll then be able create an original key that matches your security chip. They'll also be able provide you with preventive measures to avoid future key loss.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past losing or misplacing car keys was not a big issue. You could simply call your local locksmith to make a new key. As cars become more high-tech and sophisticated, so have their keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. It's important to have an extra car key or to be aware of the cost of a replacement in the event that you lose yours.

The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to ensure that the key you lost is not actually missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the jacket or pants you wore when you last used your car, or looking at the back of your vehicle, and even checking places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Look through your owner's manual to see if it has any specific instructions on how to reset your key if it is dead.

If you've tried everything but you are still unable to locate your car keys, then it's time to contact a professional to get an alternative key. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional, key fob or switchblade), it will cost you between $50-$200 to purchase an alternative one. If you own a traditional key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and modify it to match your car. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's rates which can cost as much as $320 to replace the lost key.

For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to call your dealership and have your vehicle towed to them to purchase the new key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. Then, they'll need to connect your new key to the vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and time-consuming process. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can get the assistance of an expert if you ever need it!

Make sure your vehicle's security system is working

It's no secret that many modern vehicles are fitted with sophisticated security features to protect the vehicle's content from theft. While these security features are generally a good thing however, they can make keys for the car more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to find an alternative key for these vehicles although the process is more complicated and costly than in the past. The exact cost will vary based on the type of key your car is using, and you must be aware of before getting one made.

The easiest kind of car key to make a spare key for is the classic double-edged 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 case of emergency. Transponder chips are employed in the latest models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, including locking and unlocking, turning off and on, as well as other functions. The chips have to be programmed by a special machine, which is generally only available at some dealerships.

A locksmith in your area can assist you if you require a spare key for these cars. They'll need the model and year of the car, along with some other details (like your registration number or your title) to confirm that they are the owner. Some locksmiths can make these keys on the spot and save you the hassle of having to visit an agent.

If you don't have a spare car, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They are the best people to speak to since they know the car and the keys you need to start it. This can be costly however, and they won't be able to provide assistance at the roadside.

For a much more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal you can then connect to an app on your phone. The app will show you the location of your keys, aiding you in finding the keys and preventing them from getting lost car keys replacement cost in the first instance!

Find a New Key

Every car owner loses their keys at some point or another. It can happen in the most inconvenient of times such as at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your trunk. It's not difficult to find your keys, but it can be stressful if you don't have an extra set of keys at home or with a buddy.

There are still options to obtain new keys even if you'i ve lost my car keys lost your original. The procedure is dependent on the type of key you have and the vehicle you are using.

For instance, if you have a traditional key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder it's easy to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This is less than $200 and can be completed quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealer.

If you have a key fob equipped with an external transmitter, however, you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will be able find 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 such as a registration or title or a certificate of ownership, a locksmith might be able to create an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a cheaper alternative to going to a dealership however it's not always feasible if you own a newer or more expensive vehicle.

It is advisable to have a spare set of keys. Place it in a secure place, like your house and you won't have to worry about putting it in the event that you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't typically reach, such as the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Double-check your trunk if you have left the keys there. It's easy to forget that you left them there and they're easily taken away if someone else takes off in your vehicle.