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, however it can be a big trouble.
Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys can be relatively simple, depending on what type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys made at your local hardware store.
Retract your steps
The loss of your car keys can be frustrating, especially when it happens at a busy time of day and you're required to travel. It's not the worst thing in the world. There are several ways to locate your car key replacement.
The first thing you have to do is go back to where you started. This involves going back through the places you've been and taking a look around at home as well as at work. This will help you locate the keys, noting when you last saw them.
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 create an entirely new key for you and decode the locks on your vehicle so that only the new key can start it. They'll also remove the old key from the system of your vehicle, so if someone does manage to gain access to it the key, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.
Before you contact a locksmith or dealer, ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. This is a number that's located on your driver's side dashboard or door, and it will inform them of the vehicle you own so that they can create a new key to match.
Memory Exercises
You might be tempted to panic at the thought of losing your car keys however, keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and thoroughly. Close your eyes and relax. Then you can use your memory to recall the last place you saw your keys. If you're struggling to remember where they were, retrace your steps again and look for any clues that may have been discovered.
If you're unable to solve the problem try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealer to get help. You'll be required to provide details about your car and the security system that it uses and they'll be able make a replacement key that can be paired with your existing security chip. They'll also be able to give you advice on how to prevent any future loss of keys.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a big problem. Call your local locksmith to get a new car key. As cars evolved and so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and costlier. It is essential to have an extra car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in case you lose yours.
The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to confirm that the key you lost is not actually missing. This is done by checking the pockets of the clothing you were wearing when you last used your car, looking at the back of your vehicle 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 it contains specific instructions on how to reset the key if it is dead.
If you've checked all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it is time to call an expert for an alternative. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to over $200, based on the kind you have. If you have a standard key, a locksmith can typically cut a new key and change it's programming to match your car. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying the dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a new key.
You'll need to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towing by them to allow them to obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to pair your new key with your vehicle electronically. This could be costly and a lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you will have the assistance of a professional should you ever require it!
Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.
It's not a secret that many modern cars come with fancy security features designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from thieves. While these features are usually a good thing but they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. It's still possible to get keys for replacement for these vehicles, but the process is more complicated and expensive. The exact cost will vary depending on the type of key your car is using, and you must be aware of before getting one made.
The classic double-edged car key can be converted into a spare at any hardware store or dealership. The cost is usually less than $10 and will work perfectly as a backup key or to start your car in an urgent situation. The latest models of cars, however, use transponder chips in the keys to control various aspects of the car from locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. These chips must be programmed using a special machine that is only available at certain dealerships.
When you need to make a spare for these more sophisticated automobiles, a locksmith in your area will be able to assist. They'll need the model and year of the car, along with some other information (like your registration number or title) to verify that they are the owner of the vehicle. Some locksmiths can make these keys on the spot, saving you time from having to visit dealers.
If you do not have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best person to speak to since they know the car and the keys you need to start it. This could be costly however, and they will not be available for assistance at the roadside.
Try an Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are located, aiding you in finding them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!
Find a new key
Everybody loses their keys at some time or another. It can happen at the most inconvenient of times, such as at a gas station or while loading groceries into your car. Although they said to locate your keys again, it can be a stressful experience if you don't have a spare set in your home or with your family.
There are, however, alternatives to purchase a new key even if you've lost your original. The procedure will depend on the kind of key you have and the vehicle you are using.
If you own an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like, it is relatively easy to have a local locksmith create a new one on the spot. This will cost less than $200 and can be done much quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.
You will need to visit the dealer if you have a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to find your information and send you the correct key at a lower price than you would pay to locksmith.
A locksmith might also be able to make an alternative key with the help of the VIN of your vehicle, so you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a much cheaper alternative than going to a dealer. However, it may not be feasible when your car is older or has a high price.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is having a spare. Keep it in a safe location, like your home, so you don't need to worry about losing it when you leave your car. Check your pockets and purses frequently, particularly if you have coats or jackets with large pockets. Check places you might not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you have put the keys down there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your vehicle.