How to Find Your i've lost my car keys Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It happens more frequently than people think, but it can be a major trouble.

Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is relatively easy depending on the kind of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys at your local hardware store.

Retract Your Steps

It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially when it happens during a hectic period of time when you're required to be somewhere. It's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways you can assist you in finding the replacement car key you lost.

You must first retrace your steps. This involves going back through the places you've been to and looking around, both at home and work. This will give you an idea of where 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 need to call an auto locksmith or a local locksmith for assistance. They'll be able to make a new car key for you, and decode your locks to ensure that only the key can start the car. They'll also remove the old key from your vehicle's system, so should someone manage to gain access to it, they won't be able to drive your car.

Be sure to have your VIN handy before you contact the locksmith or dealer. This is a number that's located on your driver's dashboard or door panel and will let them know which car you drive so they can make an appropriate key for your vehicle.

Memory Exercises

You might be tempted to be scared of losing your car keys however, be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and look more thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and utilize the power of your memory to remember the location where you last were last able to see your car keys. If you're having trouble remembering where they were, retrace your steps again and look for any clues that could have surfaced.

If you're having no luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealer to get help. You'll be required to provide information about your vehicle and the security system it has, and they'll be able to make a replacement key that is compatible with your security chip. They'll also be able to provide you with preventive measures to avoid future key loss.

Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could call your local locksmith and make a new key. But as cars have become more technological and sophisticated, so have their keys becoming more expensive and difficult to replace. It's essential to have an extra car key, or to know the cost of replacing lost car key it in the event that you lose yours.

It is important to first find out if the key really missing. This is done by checking the pockets of the jacket or pants you were wearing when you last used your car, looking at the back of your car, and even checking places you wouldn't usually look like the inside of a shoe or purse. Go through the owner's manual to see if it has specific instructions on how to reset the key in case it stops working.

If you've tried everything but still haven't found your car keys, it's time to call an expert to request an alternative key. The cost of a new one will vary from $50 to more than $200 depending on the type you own. If you have a traditional key, you can usually have the locksmith simply cut a new one and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's rates that can cost as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.

For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have the car towed in for them to request an additional key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. They will then have to connect your new key with the 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 if you ever need it!

Check your vehicle's security system

There is no doubt that modern cars are equipped with sophisticated security features to safeguard the contents of the car from thieves. Although these features are typically an excellent thing but they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. It is still possible to obtain a replacement key for these cars, but the process is more difficult and expensive. The cost of a new key will vary on the kind of vehicle you own. It is important to be aware of this prior ordering one.

The classic double-edged car keys can be made into a spare at any hardware store or dealership. It will typically cost less than $10 and be a perfect backup or to start the car in case of emergency. Transponder chips are used in more recent models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, turning off and on, and other functions. These chips must be programmed with a special machine, which is typically only available at certain dealerships.

A locksmith near you can assist you with a spare key for these cars. They'll need the model and year of the car, along with some other information (like your registration number or title) to confirm that they are the owner. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on the spot, saving you time from visiting dealers.

If you don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They will be the most knowledgeable about your particular vehicle and the keys that are required to start it. It can be costly and they may not be able to assist you on the road.

If you want a less expensive alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit signals that you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will show you the whereabouts of your keys, helping you locate them and preventing them from getting lost in the first instance!

Get a New Key

Everyone loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen in the most awkward of places such as at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your car. Even though it is easy to find your keys again, it can be a very stressful scenario when you don't have an extra set at home or with your friends.

There are still options for you to get new keys even if you've lost car keys what to do your original. The process depends on the kind of key you have and the vehicle you are using.

If you own an ignition lock cylinder key, for example it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to make a new one on the spot. This will cost less than $200 and is much faster than buying one from a dealer.

You'll need to go to the dealer if you have remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealership will be able to find your details and provide you with the right key at a lower cost than what you would pay if you went to a locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able create keys for replacement using the VIN of your vehicle, so long as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a much cheaper alternative than going to a dealer. However, it might not be a possibility when your car is older or expensive.

It is best to have a spare set keys. Place it in a secure location, such as your home and you won't have to worry about leaving it in the event that you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Double-check your trunk if you have left the keys there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be stolen when someone drives away in your vehicle.