An Lost Car Key Replacement Success Story You'll Never Remember

How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some moment in time. It happens more frequently than people realize, however it can be a major hassle.

Fortunately replacing car keys lost can be relatively simple depending on the type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys at the local hardware store.

Retract your Steps

Losing your car keys is difficult, especially when it happens at a hectic time of the day when you're required to travel. It's not the most unpleasant thing that could happen to you. There are many ways to find your car key replacement.

It is recommended to retrace your steps. This can be done by returning to the places you've been to and taking a look around, at both the workplace and at home. This will give you a good idea of the last place you remember seeing your keys and can guide you to where they could be.

If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, call a locksmith or a dealership in your area for assistance. They'll be able to make a new car key for you, and also decode your locks to ensure that only the key can start the car. They'll also remove the old key from your vehicle's system, so if someone does manage to obtain it the key, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.

Be sure to have your VIN handy prior to contacting a dealer or locksmith. It's found on your driver's side dashboard or door panel and will allow them to know what car you drive so they can make a new key to match.

Memory Exercises

If you've lost your car keys, you might be anxious. However, try to remain calm. This will enable you to think clearly and conduct a thorough search. Close your eyes, relax and make use of your memory to recall the location where you last found your car keys the last time. If you are unable to remember the location of your keys you were, go back to the steps and search for clues.

If you're not getting any luck you can contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll be required to provide details about your vehicle and the security system it has and they'll be able create a new key that will pair with your security chip. They'll also provide suggestions on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.

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 simply call your local locksmith and make a new key. As cars evolved, so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and more expensive. That's why it's important to always keep an extra key in your car or at a minimum, be aware of the price your car dealership will charge for a replacement if you lose one.

The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the key you lost is not actually missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the jacket or pants that you wore last time you used your car, or looking in the backseat of your car or even looking in places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Go through the owner's manual to see if it has any specific instructions on how to reset your key if it is dead.

If you've tried everything and still can't locate your car keys, it is time to get a professional for a new one. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob, or switchblade), it will cost you between $50 to $200 to buy an alternative one. If you have a standard key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and modify it to work with your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's prices which can cost as much as $320 to replace the lost key.

For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have the car towed in for them to order a new key for your vehicle based on the VIN. They'll then need to pair your new key with your vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and time-consuming process. It's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy so that you can get expert help if needed!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

It's no secret that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that help protect the contents of the car from thieves. These security features can make it more difficult to replace keys for your car. It's still possible to get a replacement key for these vehicles, but the process is more complicated and expensive. The cost of a new key will vary on the type of vehicle you have. It is essential to be aware of this prior to purchasing one.

The classic double-edged car keys can be turned into a spare at any hardware store or at a dealership. The cost is typically less than $10 and is perfect as a backup key to start your car in an emergency situation. The latest models of automobiles, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control various aspects of the car from locking and unlocking to switching on and turning off. These chips must be programmed using a special machine that is only available at certain dealerships.

If you're in need of an additional spare for these advanced models of cars, a locksmith local to you will be able to assist. They will need the model and year of the vehicle as well as other details (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site and save you the hassle of needing to visit a dealer.

If you don't have a spare car, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They will be the most knowledgeable about your car's model and the keys that are needed to get it started. This can be costly however, and they will not be able to provide roadside assistance.

Try using a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices connect to your key ring, and emit an audio signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will provide you with the location of your keys, helping you to find 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 in the most unavoidable of situations like at a petrol station or while loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard to locate your keys however it is stressful if you do not have an extra set of keys at home or with a companion.

There are, however, alternatives to purchase a new key in the event that you've lost the original. The procedure varies based on the kind of key and your vehicle.

If you own an ignition lock cylinder key, for example it's relatively simple to get a locksmith in your area to create a new one on the spot. This is less than $200, and is typically quicker than purchasing one from the dealership.

If you have a key fob with an external transmitter,, you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will be able to identify your details, and then send you the correct key for a lower cost than you'd pay a locksmith.

If you have evidence of ownership like an official title or registration, a locksmith may be able to make keys using your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative to going to a dealership, but it's not always feasible if you own a newer or more expensive vehicle.

It is advisable to keep a spare set of keys. Keep  lost key car  in a safe location, such as your home, so you don't have to be concerned about losing it when you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, particularly if you have coats or jackets with large pockets. Check places you might not usually reach, such as the inside of your shoes when you wear shoes. Finally, be 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 can be stolen when someone steals your vehicle.