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 frequently than people think, but it is a huge hassle. Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is relatively easy, depending on what type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys at the local hardware store. Retract your Steps The loss of your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a hectic time of the day when you're required to travel. It's not the most unpleasant thing in the world. There are replace lost car key of ways to locate your car key replacement. The first thing you have to do is go back to where you started. This can be done by going back to the places you have been and looking around, at both your home and work. This will give you an idea of where you remember seeing your keys, and may help you find where they might be. If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you'll need to call a local locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll be able to make a new car keys for you, and decode your existing locks so that only the key will be able to start the car. They will also delete the old key so that if anyone manages to obtain it, they aren't able to use your vehicle. Before you call an expert locksmith or dealer, ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. This number is found on the driver's door panel or on the dashboard. It will allow them to know what vehicle you own and they will be able to create a key that matches. Utilizing Your Memory You may be tempted to fear losing your car keys, but try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and look more thoroughly. Close your eyes and relax. Then you can use your memory to recall the last place you saw your keys. If you're unable to recall the location of your keys you were, go back to the steps and search for clues. If you're not getting any luck, contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll then be able create keys that match your existing security chip. They'll also be able advise you on steps to prevent key loss. Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN). In the past the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys was not a big problem. You could just call your local locksmith and have a new key made. However, as cars have become more technological, so too have their keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. That's why it's important to keep a spare key on hand, or at least be aware of the price your car dealer will charge you for a replacement in the event that 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. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants along with the backseat and other places you may not normally check for, like the inside of a shoe or purse. You should also look through the owner's manual to see if there are any specific instructions for the kind of key you own, such as how to reset it in the event that it becomes dead. If you've tried everything but still cannot find your car keys, it is time to get an expert to get the replacement. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional, key fob or switchblade), it will cost you between $50 to $200 to buy new keys. If you have a traditional key, you can get the locksmith to cut a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who can charge up to $320 for a replacement key. If you want a key fob or switchblade keys, you'll need to call your dealership and have the car towed in for them to request a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they will have to pair the new key with your vehicle electronically which is a costly and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you will have 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 designed to protect the contents of the car from theft. While these features are usually a good thing, they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting an alternative key for these cars, however the process is more complicated and costly. The exact cost will differ according to the type of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of prior to having one made. The classic car key with a double edge can be made into a spare at any hardware store or dealer. It typically costs less than $10 and work just fine as a backup or to start the car in an emergency. More recent models of cars, however incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control different aspects of the car, from locking and unlocking to turning on and off. The chips have to be programmed by a special machine, which is usually only available through certain dealerships. When you need to make an extra for these more advanced models of cars, a locksmith local to you should be able to help. They will require the model and year of the car and other details (like your registration number or title) to prove that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths are 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 car, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They'll be the most knowledgeable about your specific car and the keys needed to get it started. This can be costly, however, and they won't be available for roadside assistance. Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an alternative that is affordable. These devices connect to your key ring, emitting a signal you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then show you the location of your keys, helping you to find them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place! Find a New Key Everyone loses their keys at some point. It can happen at the most inconvenient of times, such as at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard to find your keys, but it is stressful if you do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a friend. There are still options to obtain an alternative key in the event that you've lost the original. The process varies depending on your kind of key and your vehicle. If you have an ignition lock cylinder key, for example, it is relatively easy to have a local locksmith make a replacement immediately. This is less than $200 and can be done quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership. You will need to visit the dealer if you have an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able identify your details, and send you the correct key at a lower price than you would pay to a locksmith. If you have evidence of ownership such as the title or registration or a certificate of ownership, a locksmith might be able to create an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a much less expensive alternative to going to a dealership however, it's not always feasible if you own a brand new or more expensive vehicle. It is best to have a spare set keys. Place it in a safe location, like your home, so that you don't have to worry about losing it when you leave your car. It's also important to check your purses and pockets regularly, especially if you wear a jacket or coat with large pockets. Check places you might not usually reach, such as the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Be sure to double-check the trunk of your car if you put keys there. It's easy to forget you put them there, and they could easily be stolen if someone else takes off in your vehicle.
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