How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that everyone loses car keys at some point. It happens more often than people think, but it is a huge trouble.
Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is relatively easy, depending on what type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys at your local hardware store.
Retract Your Steps
Losing your car keys is frustrating, especially when it happens at a busy time of the day and you need to get somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing in the world. There are many ways to locate your car key replacement.
The first thing you have to do is retrace your steps. This involves going back through the places you've visited and taking a look around at home as well as at work. This will give you an idea of the last location you've seen your keys, and may help you find the location they might be.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, contact a locksmith or dealership in your area for assistance. They'll be able to make an entirely new car key for you, and decode the locks you have in place so that only the key can start the vehicle. They'll also erase the old key off your vehicle's system, meaning that even if someone does get their hands on it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your car.
Be sure to have your VIN on hand before you contact the locksmith or dealer. This is a number that's located on your driver's side door panel or dashboard, and it will inform them of the car you own so they can create keys that match.
Memory Exercises
If you've
lost key to car no spare your car keys, you could feel panicky. However, try to remain calm. This will allow you to concentrate and search thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and use the power of your memory to recall the location where you last found your car keys the last time. If you're having trouble remembering where they were, go back your steps once more and look for any clues that may have been discovered.
If you're not getting any luck try contacting a locksmith in your area or dealer for assistance. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and the security system it has, and they'll create a replacement key that can be paired with your security chip. They'll also be able to give you suggestions on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.
Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).
In the past the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge problem. You could call your local locksmith and make a new key. But as cars have become more advanced as well, so have keys becoming more expensive and difficult to replace. It is 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 make sure that the key you
lost key to car no spare is indeed missing. Check the pockets in your jacket or pants along with the backseat and other places you might not normally check, such as the inside of a shoe or purse. It is also advisable to check your owner's manual to find out if there are specific instructions for the type of key you have for example, how to reset it in the event that it dies.
If you've checked everything and still can't find your car keys, you should contact an expert to obtain new keys. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional or key fob or switchblade) it could cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 to buy an alternative one. If you have a standard key, the locksmith will usually cut a new one and change it's programming to fit your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's price that can cost as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.
For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll have to contact your dealer and have the car towing in to purchase a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they will have to connect the new key to your vehicle's computer, which is a costly and time-consuming procedure. It's a great idea include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to allow you to receive assistance from a professional if needed!
Verify the security system of your vehicle.
It's no secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features designed to keep the contents of the vehicle safe from theft. These features make it harder to replace car keys. However, it's not impossible to find a new key for these vehicles, though the process is more complex and expensive than it was in the past. The exact cost will differ according to the kind of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of prior to getting one made.
The most straightforward kind of car key to make a spare for is the classic double-edged car key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith, 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, use transponder chips in the keys to control different aspects of the car from locking and unlocking to turning on and off. These chips must be programmed using a specific machine, which is typically only available through certain dealerships.
When you need to make a spare for these more advanced models of automobiles, a locksmith in your area should be able to help. They will need to know the model and year of your car, as well as some other information to verify that you are the owner (like your car registration number or title). Some locksmiths will be capable of making keys on the spot and save you the hassle of having to go to a dealer.
If you don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. 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 assistance on the road.
Try an Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices attach to your key ring, emitting a signal you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are located, helping you locate them, and stop them from getting
lost car keys with no spare in the first place!
Find a New Key
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It can happen at the most unavoidable of situations like at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your car. It's not hard to find your keys however it can be stressful if you do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a buddy.
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 your vehicle.
If you own an ignition lock cylinder key, for example it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to make a replacement on the spot. This will cost less than $200 and can be completed much quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.
If you have a key fob with an external transmitter, you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will be able locate your details and provide you with the correct key at a cheaper price than for locksmith.
If you have evidence of ownership such as the title or registration or registration, a locksmith might be able to create keys using your VIN. This is a much cheaper alternative than going to a dealer. However, it may not be a possibility in the case of a vehicle that is older or expensive.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is having an extra. Place it in a safe location, like your home, so you don't have to be concerned about losing it when you leave your car. It's also important to inspect your purses and pockets regularly especially if you're wearing a coat or jacket with large pockets. Be sure to check the places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you have on runners. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you put the keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen when someone steals your vehicle.
