Why No One Cares About Lost Car Key Replacement
How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Everyone loses their car keys at one time or some other time. It happens more frequently than people realize, however, and it can be a big trouble.
It is possible to replace lost car keys, dependent on the type of key that you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then 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 period of the day when you have to go somewhere. However, 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.
The first thing you have to do is to retrace your steps. This involves going back through the places you've been and looking around, both at home and work. This will give you an idea of the last location you've seen your keys and can help you find where they could be.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, contact a locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to create a new car key for you, and also decode your locks to ensure that only the key is able to start the vehicle. They will also delete the old key, so that if anyone does manage to get it, they aren't able to use your vehicle.
Be sure to have your VIN on hand before you contact an agent or locksmith. This is a number that's found on your driver's side door panel or dashboard, and it will let them know which car you drive so they can design an appropriate key for your vehicle.
Making Use of Your Memory
You might be tempted to fear losing your car keys however, keep your cool. This will enable you to concentrate and conduct a thorough search. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and make use of your memory to remember where you found your car keys the last time. If you're unable to recall where you put your keys you were, go back to the steps and look for clues.
If you are still having issues, contact a locksmith or dealership near you for assistance. You'll be required to provide details about your car and the security system that it uses, and they'll be able to create a replacement key that can be paired with your security chip. They can also give you advice on how to prevent future key losses.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car were not a big problem. You could just call your local locksmith and make a new key. But as cars have become more advanced as well, so have keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. This is why it's crucial to always keep an extra key in your car or at a minimum, know the amount the dealership for your car will charge you for a replacement in the event that you lose one.
The first thing you need to do when you lose a car key is to make sure that the lost key is actually missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the pants or jacket you were wearing when you last used your car, looking in the backseat of your car as well as checking out areas you don't normally see like the inside of a shoe or purse. Look through your owner's manual to determine if there are any specific instructions on how to reset the key in case it stops working.
If you've tried everything but still can't find the car keys, then you should contact an expert to obtain an alternative key. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional or key fob or switchblade) it can cost you between $50-$200 to purchase an alternative one. If you own a traditional key, you could have the locksmith simply cut a new one and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a new key.
You'll have to contact your dealer and request that your car towed for them to purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. Then, they'll have to connect the new key with your vehicle electronically this could be a costly and time-consuming procedure. This is why it's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you can get the assistance of a professional if you ever need it!
Check the security system of your car.
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 difficult to replace the car keys. It's not difficult to get a new key for these vehicles although the process is more involved and costly than it was in the past. The exact cost will vary according to the type of key your car has, and this is something you need to be aware of prior to getting one made.
The easiest type of car key to make a spare key for is the classic double-edged key that can be purchased at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. It is usually less than $10 and work just fine as a backup or to start the car in the event of an emergency. Modern models of cars, however incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control different aspects of the vehicle from locking and unlocking to switching on and turning off. The chips have to be programmed with a specific machine that is available only in some dealerships.
A locksmith near you can assist you with a spare key for these cars. They will require the model and year of the car, along with some other information (like your registration number or title) to verify that they are the owner. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site, saving you time from having to visit dealers.
If lost vehicle key don't have a spare car, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They are the best person to talk to because they are familiar with the car and the keys you require to start it. It can be expensive and they may not be able to assist you on the road.
To get a more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring and emit an audio signal that you can then connect with an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are located, helping you locate them and prevent them from being lost in the first place!
Get a new key
Everybody loses their keys at some point. It can happen at the most unavoidable of situations, such as at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your car. Although it's easy to locate your keys again, it could be a very stressful situation when you don't have an extra set at home or with your friends.
There are ways to get a new key if you've lost the original. The procedure will depend on the type of key you own and the car you drive.
If you have an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's relatively simple to have a locksmith local to create a new one immediately. This is less than $200, and is often quicker than getting one from a dealership.
If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter,, you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealership will be able locate your information and send you the right key for a much lower price than when you visit an locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to create an alternative key with the help of the VIN number of your car, as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting a dealership, but it's not always possible if you own a brand new or more expensive car.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having an extra. Keep it in a safe location, like your home in order to not have to worry about leaving it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check the pockets and purses frequently, especially if you wear a jacket or coat with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places you wouldn't normally reach, such as the inside of your shoes if you are on runners. Check your trunk to see if you have put your keys in there. It's easy to forget that you put them in there and they're easily stolen if someone else leaves in your car.