10-Pinterest Accounts You Should Follow About Lost Car Key Replacement

How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that we all lose car keys at some point. It happens more frequently than most people realize it can be a big hassle.

Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys 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 at the local hardware store.

Retract your Steps

Losing your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a hectic time of the day when you have to go somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world, and there are several ways you can help you locate your car key replacement.

The first thing to do is retrace your steps. You can do this by going back to the places you have been and taking a look around, both at your home and work. This will give you a good idea of the last place you recalled seeing your keys, and may lead you to the location they might be.

If you can't find your car keys after retracing your steps you'll need to contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. They will be able create an entirely new car key for you, and decode your locks to ensure that only the key will be able to start the car. They will also delete the old key, so that if anyone manages to obtain it, they aren't able to use your vehicle.

Make sure you have your VIN handy before contacting the locksmith or dealer. The VIN is on the driver's door panel or on the dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you drive, so they can make a key that matches.

Utilizing Your Memory

If you've lost your car keys, you might feel panicky. But try to keep your cool. This will allow you to concentrate and search thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and utilize the power of your memory to remember where you were last able to see your car keys. If you're having trouble remembering the exact location, retrace your steps again and look for any clues that could have been discovered.

If you are still having issues, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. You'll need to provide them with details about your car and the security system that it uses and they'll be able to make a replacement key that is compatible with your existing security chip. They'll also provide advice on how to prevent future key losses.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car was not a huge problem. You could simply call your local locksmith to have a new key made. As cars have become more sophisticated and so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and more expensive. It is essential to have an extra car key, or to know the cost of replacing it in the event that you lose yours.

The first thing you need to do when you lose a car key is to confirm 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, looking in the backseat of your vehicle, and even checking places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Check your owner's guide to see if it has any special instructions on how to reset the key if it becomes dead.

If you've tried everything but still haven't found your car keys, you should contact an expert to obtain an alternative key. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob or switchblade), it will cost you between $50-$200 to purchase a new one. If you have an old-fashioned key, you can have the locksmith simply cut a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's rates that can be as much as $320 to replace a lost key.

For a key fob or switchblade keys, you'll need to call your dealership and have your car towing in to order an additional key for your vehicle based on the VIN. Then, they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle electronically, which is a costly and lengthy process. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you can have the help of a professional should you ever require it!

Check Your Vehicle's Security System

It's not a secret that a lot of modern cars have fancy security features designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from thieves. While these features are usually a good thing, they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to obtain a new key for these vehicles however, the process is more involved and expensive than in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the type of vehicle you have. It is important to know this before ordering one.

The most straightforward kind of car key to make a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key that can be purchased at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. It typically costs less than $10 and will be a perfect backup or to start the car in an emergency. Transponder chips are utilized in the latest models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. These chips must be programmed by a special machine, which is generally only available at some dealerships.

A local locksmith can help you if you require an extra key for these vehicles. They'll need the model and year of the car as well as other details (like your registration number or 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 dealers.

If you don't have a spare car, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They are the most familiar with your particular vehicle and the keys that are needed to get it started. This could be costly but they won't be able to provide assistance on the road.

Try using a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices attach to your key ring and emit an audio signal that you can then connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will display the location of your keys, aiding you in finding them and prevent them from being lost in the first instance!

Find a New Key

Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It can happen in the most awkward of places like at a gas station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. It's not difficult to locate your keys, but it can be stressful if you do not have an extra set of keys at home or with a friend.

There are still alternatives to purchase new keys in the event that you've lost the original. The procedure varies based on your type of key and vehicle.

If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's relatively simple to have a locksmith local to make a new one right on the spot. This option is less than $200 and is quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter,, you'll need to visit the dealer. The dealership will be able to locate your information and send you the correct key at a lower cost than what you would pay if you went to locksmith.

If you have proof of ownership, like a registration or title, a locksmith may be able create an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealership however, it's not always possible when you own a brand new or more expensive vehicle.

It is recommended to have a spare set of keys. Keep it in a secure place, such as your home, so you do not have to worry about losing it if you leave your vehicle. It is also essential to check the pockets and purses frequently particularly if you are wearing an outerwear item with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't usually reach, such as the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Make sure  replacing lost car key  check your trunk if have left keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your vehicle.