How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact that every car owner loses their keys at some point. It happens more frequently than people think, but it can be a major inconvenience.
Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is relatively easy depending on the type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys made at your local hardware store.
Retract your Steps
The loss of your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a hectic time of day and you have to go somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a number of steps you can take to assist you in finding your car key replacement.
The first thing you need to do is to retrace your steps. You can do this by going back to the places where you've been and taking a look around, both at the workplace and at home. This will help you locate the keys, letting you know where you last was able to see them.
If you're unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you'll want to call a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll be able to create a new key for you and decode the existing locks on your vehicle so that only the new key is able to start it. They will also delete the old key so that if anyone does manage to obtain it, they aren't able to drive your car.
Before you contact an expert locksmith or dealer, ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. It's located on your driver's dashboard or door panel and will allow them to know what vehicle you own so that they can design a new key to match.
Memory Exercises
You might be tempted to be scared of losing your car keys, but try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and search more deeply. Close your eyes and relax. Then, use your memory to recall the last time you saw your keys. If you're struggling to remember where they were, go back your steps and search for any clues that could have surfaced.
If you are experiencing issues, call an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system that it uses and they'll create a replacement key that will pair with your existing security chip. They'll also be able to provide you with steps to prevent key loss.
Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
In the past losing or misplacing car keys was not a big problem. Call your local locksmith to obtain a new car key. As cars become more sophisticated and so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and also more expensive. This is why it's essential to keep a spare key on hand or at the very least know the amount your car dealership will charge for a replacement if you lose one.
The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to ensure that the key you lost is actually missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the jacket or pants you wore when you last used your car, or looking in the backseat of your vehicle as well as checking out areas you don't normally see like the inside of a shoe or purse. You should also check your owner's manual to see if there are any special instructions for the kind of key you have like how to reset it if it becomes dead.
If you've tried everything but still can't find your car keys, it's time to contact an expert to obtain new keys. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to over $200, based on the kind you own. If you own a traditional 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 keys that have been lost.
You'll need to call your dealer and get your car towed to them so they can obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle's electronic key which is a costly and lengthy process. It's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy so that you can receive assistance from a professional if needed!
Check your vehicle's security system
No secret is that many modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that safeguard the contents of the car from thieves. While these security features are generally a good thing but they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to obtain an alternative key for these vehicles, though the process is more complex and expensive than it was in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the type of vehicle you own. It is important to know this before ordering one.
The classic double-edged car key can be turned into a spare at any hardware store or at a dealership. The price is typically less than $10, and it will work perfectly as a backup key to start your car in a dire situation. Modern models of cars, however, use transponder chips in the keys to control different aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to switching on and turning off. The chips have to be programmed using a special device that is only available at certain dealerships.
A local locksmith can help you if you need an extra key for these advanced cars. 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 the registration number on your car or title). Some locksmiths can make these keys on-site which will save you time from visiting an agent.
If you don't have a spare car, the next best option is the dealership. They are the most knowledgeable about your particular vehicle and the keys that are required to start it. g28carkeys could be costly, and they will not be able to assist you on the road.
To get a more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring, emitting a signal you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then display the whereabouts of your keys, helping you to find them and preventing them from getting lost in the first place!
Find a new key
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It happens at the most inconvenient times, while at a gas station, or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's simple to find your keys once again, it could be a very stressful scenario when you don't have a spare set in your home or with your family.
There are still ways to get a new key in case you've lost your original. The process is different based on the type of key and vehicle.
For example, if you have a traditional key that fits into an ignition lock cylinder, it's easy to have a locksmith make an immediate replacement. This will cost less than $200 and can be completed much faster than buying one from a dealer.
You'll need to visit the dealer if you have remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealership will be able to find your information and send you the correct key at a lower cost than you would pay when you visit an locksmith.
If you have evidence of ownership such as a registration or title or a certificate of ownership, a locksmith might be able to create keys using your VIN. This is a much cheaper alternative than visiting a dealership. However, it might not be possible if your vehicle is newer or costly.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is by having an extra. Place it in a safe location, such as your home, so that you don't have to worry about losing it if you leave your vehicle. Check your pockets and purses often, especially if you wear coats or jackets with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places that you would not normally reach, like the inside of your shoes, especially if you're 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 can be taken if someone drives away in your car.