Forget Lost Car Key Replacement: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It

How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement It's a fact of life that we all lose car keys at some moment in time. It happens more than people think and is a huge inconvenience. Fortunately, replacing 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 have the most basic keys at the local hardware store. Retract Your Steps It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly when it happens during a busy period of the day when you have to go somewhere. It's not the worst thing that can happen. There are a variety of ways to find your car key replacement. The first thing you have to do is go back to where you started. This can be done by going back to the places you've been to and taking a look around, both at the workplace and at home. This will give you a good idea of the last place you've seen your keys, and may guide you to where they could be. If you still can't locate your car keys, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to make a new car keys for you, and will decode your locks to ensure that only the key will be able to start the car. They'll also erase the old key, so that if anyone manages to steal it, they won't be able to use your vehicle. Before you call a locksmith or dealer make sure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This is a number that's located on your driver's dashboard or door panel, and it will inform them of the car you own so they can design keys that match. Making Use of Your Memory You might be tempted to fear losing your car keys, but be calm. This will help you think clearly and look more deeply. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and use the power of your memory to remember the location where you last were last able to see your car keys. If you're struggling to remember where they were, go back your steps once more and look for any clues that might have been discovered. If you are still having issues, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership near you for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll then be able create a new key that matches the security chip you have already installed. They'll also guide you on ways to prevent future key loss. Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN). It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could just call your local locksmith and make a new key. But as cars have become more high-tech and sophisticated, so have their keys become more expensive and difficult to replace. It's 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 to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the key you lost is actually missing. Examine the pockets of your jacket or pants along with the backseat and other places you may not normally check for, like the inside of your purse or shoe. Also, you should go through your owner's manual and determine if there are special instructions for the kind of key you have like how to reset it if it goes dead. If you've checked everything and still haven't found your car keys, it's time to contact an expert to request new keys. The cost of a new one will range from $50 to $200 based on the type you own. If you have a traditional key, you could have the locksmith simply cut a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a less expensive alternative to paying the dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a new key. You'll need to contact your dealer and have your car towed by them to allow them to purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to connect the new key to your vehicle's computer, which can be an expensive and lengthy process. It's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to the policy to ensure that you get expert help if needed! Make sure your vehicle's security is checked. It's no secret that many modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that protect the vehicle's content from thieves. While these features are usually an excellent thing however, they can make keys for cars more difficult to replace. It's not difficult to get an alternative key for these vehicles, though the process is more complicated and costly than in the past. The cost will be depending on the type of key your car has, and this is something you need to be aware of before getting one made. The easiest kind of car key to make a spare for is the traditional double-edged key that can be replaced at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. It typically costs less than $10 and serve as a backup or to start the car in case of emergency. The latest models of cars, however use transponder chips in the keys to control various aspects of the car from locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. These chips must be programmed using a special machine that is available only at certain dealerships. If you're in need of an additional spare for these advanced types of cars, a locksmith local to you should be able to help. They will need to know the year and model of your vehicle as well as 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, saving you the time of having to visit a dealer. The dealership is your best option if there isn't spare. They'll be the most familiar with your particular vehicle and the keys required to start it. This can be costly but they won't be able to provide assistance at the roadside. Try using a Bluetooth key tracker as an affordable alternative. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will show you where your keys are, helping you find them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place! Find a new key Everyone loses their car keys at one point or another. It can happen in the most unavoidable of situations like at a gas station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. Although it's easy to find your keys again, this can be a very stressful situation if you don't have an extra set at home or with your friends. Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase a new key in the event that you've lost the original. The procedure will depend on the type of key you own and your vehicle. For example, if you have a standard key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to have a locksmith make an immediate replacement. key lost is less than $200 and is quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership. You will need to visit the dealer if you own a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealership will be able locate your information and issue you the right key for a much lower price than what you would pay if you went to a locksmith. A locksmith might also be able to create keys for replacement with the help of your car's VIN, as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting a dealership, but it's not always feasible if you have a newer or more expensive car. It is advisable to have a spare set keys. Place it in a safe place, such as your home, so that you don't need to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check pockets and purses regularly particularly if you are wearing a jacket or coat with large pockets. Don't forget to check places that you would not normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you are on runners. Double-check your trunk if you have left the keys there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken if someone drives away in your car.