How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It’s a fact of life that everyone loses car keys at some moment in time. It happens more often than people think, however it can be a big problem.
Fortunately replacing car keys lost car keys cost to replace is relatively easy, depending on what type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys made at the local hardware store.
Retract Your Steps
It’s frustrating 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 worst thing that could happen to you. There are a variety of ways to find your car key replacement.
The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This involves going back through the places you’ve been and taking a look around, both at home and work. This will give you an idea of where you’ve seen your keys, and may guide you to where they could be.
If you still can’t locate your car keys, call an auto locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They’ll be able to create a new key for you and decode the locks that are already in your vehicle to ensure that only the new key can start it. They’ll also wipe the old key off your vehicle’s system, Replace Lost keys meaning that should someone manage to obtain it the key, they won’t be able to drive your car.
Be sure to have your VIN on hand before contacting an agent or locksmith. This number is located on the driver’s door panel or on the dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you drive, so they can make keys that match.
Memory Exercises
You may be tempted to fear losing your car keys, but try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and use the power of your memory to remember where you found your car keys the last time. If you’re having difficulty remembering where they were, go back your steps again and look for any clues that might have surfaced.
If you’re still having trouble, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They’ll require specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They’ll then be able create an original key that matches your existing security chip. They’ll also be able to give you suggestions on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.
Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).
A few years ago losing or misplacing car keys was not a big deal. You could just contact your local locksmith and make a new key. As cars become more sophisticated and so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and costlier. It’s essential to have a spare car key or to know the cost of a replacement in the event you lose yours.
It is important to first determine if the key is really missing. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants, the backseat, and other places you may not normally go, such as the inside of your shoe or purse. Also, you should go through your owner’s manual and see if there are any special instructions for the kind of key you have for example, how to reset it in the event that it becomes dead.
If you’ve tried everything but still cannot find your car keys, it is time to contact an expert to get a new one. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional or key fob or switchblade) it could cost you between $50 to $200 to get new keys. If you own a traditional key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and reprogram it to match your car. This is less expensive than the dealer’s prices which could be as high as $320 to replace the lost key.
You’ll need to call your dealer and request that your car towed to them so they can order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they’ll have to connect the new key to your vehicle electronically this could be a costly and lengthy procedure. This is why it’s a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can have the help of a professional should you ever need it!
Make sure your vehicle’s security system is working
It’s not a secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that are designed to keep the contents of the vehicle safe from thieves. These features can make it more difficult to replace lost keys the car keys. It’s still possible to get an alternative key for these vehicles, but the process is more complicated and costly. The cost will be depending on the type of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of prior to having one made.
The classic double-edged car keys can be turned into a spare by visiting any hardware store or dealership. The cost is usually less than $10, and Replace Lost Keys will work perfectly as a backup key or to start your car in a dire situation. Transponder chips are utilized in the most recent models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, such as locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. These chips must be programmed using a specific machine, which is usually only available at certain dealerships.
A local locksmith can help you if you need a spare key for these advanced cars. They’ll need the model and year of your car and other details to prove that you’re the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Some locksmiths are capable of making keys on the spot, saving you the time of having to visit dealers.
If you don’t have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They’ll be the most familiar with your particular vehicle and the keys required to get it running. This can be costly however, and they will not be able to provide assistance at the roadside.
Try using a Bluetooth key tracker for an alternative that is affordable. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal that you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are, aiding you in finding them, and stop them from being lost in the first place!
Find a New Key
Every car owner loses their keys at some point or another. It could happen at the most inconvenient times, while at a gas station, or loading groceries into your trunk. It is not difficult to find your keys, but it can be stressful if do not have an extra set of keys at home or with a companion.
Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase new keys even if you’ve lost your original. The process depends on the kind of key you have and the car you drive.
If you have an ignition lock cylinder key, for example it’s fairly easy to have a locksmith local to make a replacement right on the spot. This option is less than $200 and can be completed much faster than buying one from a dealership.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, you’ll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will be able to find your information and send you the right key at a lower cost than you would pay if you went to an locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to create keys for replacement with the help of the VIN number of your car, as long as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative than visiting a dealership. However, it may not be a possibility when your car is older or has a high price.
It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys. Keep it in a safe place, such as your home, so that you do not have to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you have coats or jackets 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. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car, if you’ve put the keys in there. It’s easy to forget that you put them there, and they can easily get taken away if someone else drives off in your car.