How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Every car owner loses their keys at one time or another. It happens more frequently than people think, but it is a huge hassle.
Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys can be relatively simple depending on the type of key you have. 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 extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly when it occurs during a busy time of the day when you need to be somewhere. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways to help you find the replacement car key you lost.
The first thing you have to do is to retrace your steps. This involves going back through the places you've visited and looking around at home and work. This will give you an idea of the last location you recalled seeing your keys, and may guide you to where they could be.
If you are still unable to locate your car keys, you can call an auto locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to create the new key for you and decode the locks on your vehicle, so that only the new key will be able to start it. They'll also erase the old key, so that if anyone manages to obtain it, they aren't able to use your vehicle.
Before you contact an expert locksmith or dealer, ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. The VIN is on the driver's door panel or on the dashboard. It will allow them to know what vehicle you own and they will be able to create keys that match.
Memory Exercises
You might be tempted to panic at the thought of losing your car keys However, keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and search more deeply. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and utilize the power of your memory to remember the location where you last saw your car keys last. If you can't remember where your keys were you were, go back to the steps and look for clues.
If you're still having issues, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. the full details 'll have to provide them with details about your vehicle and its security system and they'll be able to create a new key that is compatible with your security chip. They'll also be able to provide you with steps to prevent key loss.
Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could just call your local locksmith and have a new key made. As cars have become more sophisticated and so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and costlier. That's why it's important to always have a spare key around or at the very least know the amount the dealership for your car will charge for a replacement if you lose one.
The first thing to do when you lose your car keys 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, or looking inside the back seat of your vehicle or even looking in places you wouldn't usually look like the inside of a shoe or purse. Go through the owner's manual to determine if it contains specific instructions on how to reset your key if it is dead.
If you have checked all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact an expert for the replacement. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional, key fob, or switchblade) it could cost you between $50 to $200 to get a new one. If you own a traditional key, the locksmith will typically cut a new key and modify it to match your car. This is a much cheaper alternative than paying the dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a replacement key.
For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have the vehicle towed to them to order an additional key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. Then, they'll need to pair your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good 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!
Verify the security system of your vehicle.
It's no secret that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features to safeguard the contents of the car from thieves. Although these features are typically an excellent thing however, they can make the car keys more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to find an alternative key for these cars however, the process is more complex and expensive 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 having one made.
The easiest kind of car key to make a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key that can be purchased at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. The cost is typically less than $10 and will work perfectly as a backup key to start your car in a dire situation. Transponder chips are utilized in the most recent models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, such as locking and unlocking, turning off and on, as well as other functions. These chips must be programmed with a specific machine that is available only in some dealerships.
A locksmith in your area can assist you with an extra key for these cars. They will need the model and year of the vehicle as well as other details (like your registration number or your title) to confirm that they are the owner. Certain locksmiths can create keys on site and save you the hassle of needing to visit a dealer.
The dealership is your best option if there isn't a spare. They are the best person to speak to since they know your car and what keys you need to start it. It can be expensive and they won't be able to assist you on the road.
To get a more affordable alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app will provide you with the whereabouts of your keys, helping you locate them and preventing them from getting lost in the first instance!
Get a New Key
Everybody loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen in the most awkward of places, such as at a gas station or while loading groceries into your trunk. It is not difficult to find your keys again however it is stressful if you don't have a spare set of keys at home or with a friend.
Fortunately, there are still options for you to get a new key even if you've lost your original. The procedure varies based on the type of key and vehicle.
For instance, if have a traditional key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder, it's easy to have a locksmith create an immediate replacement. This option is less than $200 and can be completed much faster than buying one from a dealership.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, however you'll have to go to the dealer. The dealer will find your information and will send you the right key at a cheaper price than you'd pay locksmith.
A locksmith might also be able create keys for replacement using your car's VIN, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership however, it's not always possible if you own a brand new or more expensive vehicle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is having a spare. Place it in a secure location, like your home, so that you don't have to worry about putting it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check pockets and purses regularly particularly if you are wearing 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. Be sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you put keys there. It's easy to forget you put them there, and they're easily stolen if a driver leaves in your car.
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