How to Find Your lost key for car Car Key Replacement
Every car owner loses their keys at one point or some other time. It happens more often than people think and can be a big trouble.
Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is fairly simple depending on the type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys at your local hardware store.
Retract your Steps
It’s a hassle to lose your car keys, especially if it happens during a busy time of the day when you need to be somewhere. It’s not the end of the world and there are a number of ways you can help you find the replacement car key you lost.
You should first retrace all your steps. This means going back through the places you’ve visited and taking a look around at home as well as at work. This will help you locate the keys, telling you the last time you seen them.
If you’re unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you’ll need to contact an area locksmith or dealership to get help. They will be able create an entirely new car key for you, and decode your existing locks so that only the key will be able to start the car. They’ll also wipe the old key from the system of your vehicle, so should someone manage to get their hands on it and steal it, they won’t be allowed to drive your vehicle.
Before you contact a locksmith or dealer ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This number is found on the driver’s door or on the dashboard. It will allow them to know what vehicle you drive so they can create keys that are compatible with.
Utilizing Your Memory
If you’ve lost your car keys, you may be anxious. However, try to keep your cool. This will help you think clearly and search more thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and make use of your memory to remember where you saw your car keys last. If you are unable to remember the location of your keys then retrace your steps and look for clues.
If you are still having trouble, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. You’ll need to provide them with information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They’ll then create keys that match your security chip. They’ll also provide suggestions on how to prevent any future loss of keys.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
Not too long ago, misplacing-or losing-your car keys was not a big problem. Call your local locksmith and obtain a new car key. But as cars have become more technological, so too have their keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. It is essential to have an extra car key, or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in the event that you lose yours.
The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the i lost the keys to my car key is actually missing. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants, the backseat, and other places you may not normally go for, like the inside of your shoe or purse. Look through your owner’s manual to determine if there are any specific instructions on how to reset your key if it is dead.
If you’ve done everything you can and still can’t find your car keys, then it’s time to call an expert to obtain an alternative key. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50 to $200 to buy a new one. If you own a traditional key, you can usually have the locksmith simply make a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer’s rates that can be as much as $320 to replace a lost key.
For a key fob or switchblade key, you’ll need to call your dealership and have your car towed in for them to request the new key Lost in car for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. Then, they will have to pair the new key to your vehicle’s computer this could be a costly and lengthy process. This is why it’s a great idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you will have the assistance of a professional should you ever require it!
Verify the security system of your vehicle.
It’s no secret that many modern cars come with fancy security features that help keep the vehicle’s contents safe from theft. These security features can make it more difficult to replace the car keys. It’s still possible to get an alternative key for these cars, however the process is more complicated and expensive. The exact cost will vary according to the kind of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of prior to having one made.
The classic double-edged car key can be converted into a spare key at any hardware store or dealer. It is usually less than $10 and be a perfect backup or to start the car in an emergency. Modern models of cars, however utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control different aspects of the vehicle including locking and unlocking to turning on and off. These chips must be programmed by a special machine, which is generally only available at certain dealerships.
A locksmith in your area can assist you if you need an extra key for these advanced cars. They’ll need the year and model of your vehicle, as well as some other information to verify that you’re the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Some locksmiths will be capable of making keys in-person which will save you the hassle of having to go to a dealer.
If you don’t have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best person to ask because they know your car and what keys you’ll need to get started with it. This could be costly, however, and they won’t be available for assistance on the road.
To get a more affordable alternative, consider a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are, helping you locate them and prevent them from being lost in the first place!
Find a new key
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as at a gas station, or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to find your keys once again, it could be a very stressful scenario in the event that you don’t have a spare set in your home or with your friends.
There are ways to obtain a replacement key if you’ve lost your original. The procedure is dependent on the kind of key you have and your vehicle.
For example, if you have a standard key that goes into an ignition lock cylinder it’s relatively simple to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This option is less than $200 and is much quicker than purchasing one from a dealer.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, you’ll have to visit the dealer. The dealership will be able to find your information and issue you the right key at a lower cost than for an locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to make keys for replacement by using your car’s VIN, as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a much cheaper alternative than visiting a dealership. However, it might not be a possibility in the case of a vehicle that is older or has a high price.
It is best to have a spare set keys. Keep it in a safe place, like your house in order to not have to worry about putting it in a place when you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets often, especially if you have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn’t usually reach, such as the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Also, make 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 someone else drives off in your car.