How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some point. It happens more often than people think and can be a major inconvenience.
Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is relatively easy depending on the type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys made at the local hardware store.
Retract lost keys to car no spare
Losing your car keys is difficult, especially when it happens at a hectic time of day and you need to get somewhere. It's not the most frustrating thing that can happen. There are a variety of ways to find your car key replacement.
The first thing to do is go back to where you started. You can do this by returning to the places you've been and taking a look around, at both your home and work. This will help you locate the keys by telling you when you last seen them.
If you can't find your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll need to call a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. They will be able create a new car key for you, and also decode your existing locks so that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also erase the old key from the system of your vehicle, so should someone manage to gain access to it the key, they won't be able to drive your car.
Make sure you have your VIN on hand before you contact the locksmith or dealer. This number is located on the driver's door or dashboard. It will allow them to know what vehicle you drive, so they can make a key that matches.
Memory Exercises
If you've lost your car keys, you could feel panicky. However, try to keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and make use of your memory to recall the location where you last found your car keys the last time. If you can't remember the location of your keys you were, go back to the steps and search for clues.
If you're having no luck, contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. They'll require information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match the security chip you have already installed. They'll also be able to advise you on ways to prevent future key loss.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car were not a huge problem. You could just call your local locksmith to get a new key made. As cars become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and more expensive. It's essential to have a spare car key or to know the cost of a replacement in case you lose yours.
You must first find out if the key really missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the jacket or pants you wore when you last used your car, or looking at the back of your vehicle, and even checking places you wouldn't usually look like the inside of a shoe or purse. You should also look through the owner's manual to determine if there are specific instructions for the kind of key you have, such as how to reset it if it becomes dead.
If you've tried everything but you are still unable to locate your car keys, then it's time to contact an expert to request a new key. The cost of a new key can range from $50 to $200 depending on the type you have. If you have an old-fashioned key, you could have the locksmith simply cut a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's rates that could be as high as $320 to replace the lost key.
For a key fob, or switchblade key, you'll need to contact your dealer and have your car towing in to order a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they'll have to connect the new key with your vehicle electronically this can be an expensive and lengthy process. It's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to allow you to receive assistance from a professional if needed!
Check your vehicle's security system
It's not a secret that many modern cars come with fancy security features that are designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from theft. While these features are usually an excellent thing however, they can make the car keys more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to find a new key for these cars although the process is more complex and expensive than it was in the past. The cost of a new key will depend on the type of vehicle you have. You should know this before ordering one.
The classic double-edged car key can be turned into a spare key at any hardware store or at a dealership. It is usually less than $10 and serve as a 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, such as locking and unlocking, switching off and on, as well as other functions. These chips need to be programmed by a special machine, which is usually only available at certain dealerships.
A locksmith near you can assist you if you need an extra key for these vehicles. They will need to know the model and year of your car as well as other details to prove that you are the owner (like the registration number on your car or title). Some locksmiths will be able to make keys on the spot which will save you the hassle of going to an agent.
If you do not have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the most familiar with your specific car and the keys that are required to get it running. It can be costly and they won't be able to assist you on the road.
Try an Bluetooth key tracker as an affordable alternative. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal you can then connect to an app on your phone. The app will then inform you where your keys are located, helping you find them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!
Get a new code
Everyone loses their keys at some point. It can happen in the most inconvenient of times like at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your car. Although it's easy to find your keys again, it can be a stressful experience in the event that you don't have a spare set in your home or with your family.
There are still alternatives to purchase an alternative key in the event that you've lost the original. The procedure varies based on your type of key and the vehicle you are using.
If you have an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance, it is relatively easy to have a locksmith local to make a replacement on the spot. This is less than $200, and it's usually quicker than buying one from the dealership.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, however you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will locate your information, and will send you the right key for a lower cost than you would pay to locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to create keys for replacement by using your car's VIN, as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting the dealership however it's not always possible if you own a brand new or more expensive vehicle.
It is advisable to have a spare set of keys. Place it in a safe place, such as your home, so you don't need to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places you'd never reach, like the inside of your shoes if you are on runners. Finally, be sure to check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys down there. It's easy to forget you put them in there and they can easily get stolen if a driver takes off in your vehicle.