The Reasons To Focus On Making Improvements Lost Car Key Replacement
How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact that we all lose car keys at some point. It happens more often than people realize, however it can be a big hassle.
Fortunately replacing car keys lost is relatively easy, depending on what type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys made at the local hardware store.
Retract your steps
Losing your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a busy time of the day when you're required to travel. It's not the end of the world and there are a variety of ways you can help you find the replacement car key you lost.
You must first retrace your steps. You can do this by returning to the places where you've been and taking a look around, at both your home and work. This will help you find the keys by letting you know the last time you seen them.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, contact a locksmith or dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to make a new key for you and also 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 does manage to steal it, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.
Be sure to have your VIN in hand prior to contacting an agent or locksmith. This number is located on the driver's door or on the dashboard. It will allow them to know what vehicle you drive, so they can make keys that match.
Memory Exercises
You may be tempted panic at the thought of losing your car keys, but keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and look more deeply. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and use the power of your memory to recall the location where you last saw your car keys last. If you're having difficulty remembering the exact location, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that might have surfaced.
If you're having no luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealership for assistance. You'll have to provide them with information about your vehicle and its security system, and they'll be able create a replacement key that can be paired with your existing security chip. They'll also guide you on ways to prevent future key loss.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a huge issue. You could simply contact your local locksmith and get a new key made. However, as cars have become more advanced, so too have their keys becoming more expensive and difficult to replace. This is why it's crucial to always keep a spare key around or at a minimum, be aware of the price your car dealer will charge you to replace it if you lose one.
It is important to first determine if the key is really missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the clothing you wore when you last used your car, or looking at the back of your car or even looking in areas you don't normally see 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 but still cannot find your car keys, it's time to contact a professional for an alternative. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional keys, key fobs, or switchblade) it could cost you anything from $50 to $200 to buy new keys. If you own a traditional key, you can usually get the locksmith to cut a new one and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's prices that can be as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.
You'll need to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towing to them so they can purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. They will then have to pair your new key to the vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and lengthy process. This is why it's a great idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you can get the assistance of a professional should you ever require it!
Check your vehicle's security system
It's no secret that a lot of modern cars have fancy security features that help keep the contents of the vehicle safe from thieves. While these security features are generally an excellent thing but they can also make the car keys more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting keys for replacement for these cars, however the process is more difficult and expensive. The cost will be depending on the kind of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of prior to getting one made.
The classic double-edged car keys can be made into a spare key at any hardware store or at a dealership. The cost is usually less than $10, and it is perfect as a backup key to start your car in an emergency situation. Modern models of cars, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control different aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to turning on and off. The chips have to be programmed with a special machine, which is generally only available through certain dealerships.
A local locksmith can help you with a spare key for these vehicles. They will need to know the model and year of your vehicle as well as other information to verify that you are the owner (like the registration number on your car or title). Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site which will save you time from needing to visit a dealer.
If you do not have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They'll be the most knowledgeable about your car's model and the keys required to start it. This can be expensive but they won't be open for assistance at the roadside.
For a much more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal that you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are, helping you find them and prevent them from being lost in the first place!
Get a new key
Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, such as at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard to find your keys, but it can be stressful if do not have an extra set of keys at home or with a buddy.
There are, however, options to obtain new keys if you have lost the original. The procedure is dependent on the type of key you have and the vehicle you are using.
If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to make a new one immediately. This is less than $200 and can be completed quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership.
If you have a key fob equipped with an external transmitter, however you'll have to visit the dealer. The dealership will be able locate your information and issue you the correct key for a much lower price than you would pay if you went to locksmith.
If you have evidence of ownership, such as a registration or title or registration, a locksmith might be able to create an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting a dealership. However, it may not be a possibility in the case of a vehicle that is older or expensive.
It is recommended to keep a spare set of keys. Keep it in a safe location, like your home, so you don't need to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets often, especially if you wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't usually reach, such as the inside of your shoes in the event that you wear runners. Finally, be sure to check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. car keys lost no spare can be stolen when someone steals your car.