how to replace lost car key to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Every car owner loses their keys at one point or some other time. It happens more often than most people realize, and it can be a major hassle.
Fortunately, Replacing Lost car key lost car keys is fairly simple depending on the kind 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 frustrating to lose your car keys, especially if it happens during a busy period of the day when you’re required to be somewhere. It’s not the most frustrating thing in the world. There are many ways to locate your car key replacement.
You must first retrace your steps. You can do this by going back to the places you have been and taking a look around, both at home and at work. This will give you an idea of the last place you recalled seeing your keys and can guide you to where they could be.
If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you’ll want to call an auto locksmith or a local locksmith for assistance. They’ll be able to make a new key for you and decode the existing locks on your vehicle to ensure that only the new key can start it. They’ll also erase the old key off the system of your vehicle, so even if someone does gain access to it and steal it, they won’t be allowed to drive your car.
Before you speak to an expert locksmith or dealer, ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This number is located on the door of the driver or dashboard. It will inform them of the vehicle you drive, so they can make a key that matches.
Memory Exercises
If you lose your car keys, you might be frightened. But try to keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and look more deeply. Close your eyes, relax and utilize the power of your memory to recall the location where you last were last able to see your car keys. If you are unable to remember where you put your keys then retrace your steps and search for clues.
If you’re not getting any luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealer to get help. You’ll be required to provide information about your vehicle and the security system that it uses, and they’ll be able create a replacement key that can be paired with your security chip. They’ll also be able to advise you on steps to prevent key loss.
Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
It wasn’t too long ago that losing keys to your car was not a major problem. You could just call your local locksmith and make a new key. As cars have evolved, 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 replacing it in the event you lose yours.
The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the lost key is not actually missing. Examine the pockets of your jacket or pants as well as the back of your car, and other places you might not normally look for, like the inside of a shoe or purse. Go through the owner’s manual to determine if it contains any specific instructions on how to reset your key if it is dead.
If you’ve checked everything and still can’t find your car keys, it’s time to call a professional to get new keys. The cost of a new one will vary from $50 to over $200 based on the type you own. If you have a traditional key, you can get the locksmith to cut a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer’s prices that can cost as much as $320 to replace a lost car key keys that have been lost.
For a key fob or switchblade key, you’ll need to contact your dealer and have your car towing in to order an additional key for your vehicle based on the VIN. Then, they’ll need to pair the new key to your vehicle’s electronic key this could be a costly and lengthy process. It’s a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to ensure that you receive expert assistance if you need it!
Make sure your vehicle’s security is checked.
It’s no secret that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that help keep the vehicle’s contents safe from thieves. Although these features are typically a good thing however, they can make keys for the car more difficult to replace. Fortunately, it’s not impossible to find a new key for these cars, though the process is more involved and expensive than in the past. The exact cost will differ based on the type of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of prior to having one made.
The most straightforward type of car key you can make a spare for is the classic double-edged key that can be purchased at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. The price is typically less than $10 and can be used as a backup key or to start your car in a dire situation. Modern models of automobiles, however, use transponder chips in the keys to control different aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. These chips need to be programmed with a special machine, which is generally only available at some dealerships.
A locksmith near you can assist you if you need an extra key for these cars. They’ll need the model and year of your car, as well as some other details to confirm that you’re the owner (like the registration number on your car or title). Certain locksmiths are capable of making keys in-person and save you the hassle of having to go to a dealer.
The dealership is your best option if you don’t have spare. They are the best place to ask because they know your car and what keys you need to start it. This can be costly but they won’t be open for roadside assistance.
For a much more affordable alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring, and emit a signal you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will show you the whereabouts of your keys, helping you to find them and preventing them from being lost the keys to my car in the first place!
Find a New Key
Everybody loses their keys at some point. It happens at the most inconvenient times, while at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it’s easy to find your keys again, it can be a very stressful scenario in the event that you don’t have a spare set in your home or with your family.
Fortunately, there are still options to obtain a new key even if you’ve lost your original. The process varies depending on your kind of key and your vehicle.
For example, if you have a key that fits into an ignition lock cylinder it’s fairly easy to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This will cost less than $200 and can be done quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, you’ll have go to the dealer. The dealer will be able locate your information, and then send you the correct key at a cheaper price than you’d pay locksmith.
A locksmith might also be able to create an alternative key using the VIN number of your car, as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a much cheaper alternative than going to a dealer. However, it may not be feasible when your car is older or has a high price.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is having a spare. Place it in a safe place, such as your home, so that you don’t need to worry about losing it if you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Examine places that you may not normally reach, like the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Check your trunk to see 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 vehicle.