How to Find Your
lost key in car Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some moment in time. It happens more often than most people realize it can be a big hassle.
Fortunately,
replacing lost car key lost key what to do car keys is relatively easy depending on the kind of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys made at your local hardware store.
Retract Your Steps
It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially if it happens during a busy period of time when you're required to be somewhere. It's not the most frustrating thing that could happen to you. There are a variety of ways to find your car key replacement.
You should first retrace all your steps. This means going back through the places you've visited and looking around at home and work. This will help you find the keys, noting where you last saw them.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, call an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for assistance. They will be able create a new car key for you, and decode the locks you have in place so that only the key can start the vehicle. They'll also erase the old key, so that if anyone does manage to steal it, they won't be able to use your vehicle.
Be sure to have your VIN handy before you contact a dealer or locksmith. This is the number found on your driver's side dashboard or door and will allow them to know what car you drive so they can design keys that match.
Using Your Memory
You might be tempted to fear losing your car keys, but try to remain calm. This will allow you to concentrate and conduct a thorough search. Close your eyes and relax. Then utilize your memory to remember the last time you viewed 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 still having trouble, contact a locksmith or dealership in your area to get help. They'll require specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match the security chip you have already installed. They'll also provide advice on how to prevent any future loss of keys.
Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
Not too long ago the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys was not a big deal. Call your local locksmith to get a new car key. As cars have evolved and so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and also more expensive. This is why it's essential to always have a spare key on hand, or at least know how much your car dealer will charge you for a replacement if you lose one.
The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to make sure that the lost key is indeed missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the pants or jacket you were wearing when you last used your car, looking in the backseat of your car, and even checking areas you don't normally see like the inside of a shoe or purse. Also, you should check your owner's manual to find out if there are special instructions for the kind of key you have, such as how to reset it in case it goes dead.
If you've tried everything and still can't locate your car keys, it is time to get an expert to get a new one. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob, or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50 to $200 to get new keys. If you have a standard key, a locksmith can typically cut a new key and modify it to work with your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying the dealer, who may charge up to $320 for a new key.
For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have the car towing in to order the new key for your vehicle based on the VIN. Then, they will have to pair the new key with your vehicle's electronic key, which can be an expensive and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a great idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can get the assistance of a professional if you ever require it!
Check the security system of your car.
There is no doubt that modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that safeguard the contents of the car from thieves. These features can make it difficult to replace keys for your car. However, it's not impossible to obtain a new key for these cars although the process is more complicated and costly than it was in the past. The exact cost will vary depending on the type of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of prior to getting one made.
The classic double-edged car keys can be made into a spare by visiting any hardware store or dealer. The cost is typically less than $10 and is perfect as a backup key or to start your car in a dire situation. Modern models of automobiles, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, 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.
A locksmith near you can assist you with an extra key for these vehicles. They will need the model and year of the car as well as other information (like your registration number or title) to prove that they are the owner. Certain locksmiths are able to make keys on the spot and save you the hassle of having to visit dealers.
If you don't have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They are the best person to ask because they know the car and the keys you need to start it. This could be costly, however, and they won't be open for assistance on the road.
Try a Bluetooth key tracker as an alternative that is affordable. These devices are attached to your key ring, emitting signals that you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are, helping you locate them and preventing them from getting lost in the first place!
Get a new code
Everyone loses their keys at some point. It can happen in the most awkward of places like at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your car. It's not difficult to find your keys again, but it can be stressful if do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a companion.
There are ways to obtain a replacement key if you've
lost car key service the original. The process is different based on the type of key and vehicle.
For instance, if have a standard key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to have a locksmith create a replacement on the spot. This option costs less than $200 and is often quicker than getting one from the dealership.
You'll need to visit the dealer if you own a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealership will be able locate your information and send you the right key at a cheaper price than you would pay if you went to a locksmith.
If you have evidence of ownership such as a registration or title, a locksmith may be able to create a new key using your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership. However, it may not be possible if your vehicle is newer or costly.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is by having a spare. Place it in a secure location, like your home in order to not have to worry about putting it in the event that you leave your vehicle. Check your pockets and purses often, especially if you wear a coat or jacket with large pockets. Check places you might not normally reach, like the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Double-check your trunk if you have put your keys in there. It's easy to forget that you left them there and they're easily taken away if someone else leaves in your car.