20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Lost Car Key Replacement
How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that we all lose car keys at some moment in time. It happens more often than people think, however it can be a big hassle.
Fortunately replacing car keys lost is fairly simple depending on the kind of key you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at an area hardware store, provided you can provide the VIN number or proof of ownership.
Retract your Steps
It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, especially when it happens during a busy period of the day when you're required to be somewhere. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways you can help you find your car key replacement.
The first thing to do is go back to where you started. This means going back through the places you've been to and taking a look around, both at home and work. replacing lost car keys will give you an idea of the last location you recalled seeing your keys, and may help you find where they could be.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, you can call a locksmith or dealership in your area for assistance. They'll be able to create a new car keys for you, and decode the locks you have in place so that only the key can start the car. They'll also wipe the old key out of your vehicle's system, meaning that even if someone does obtain it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your car.
Be sure to have your VIN in hand before you contact a dealer or locksmith. This is the number located on your driver's side dashboard or door, and it will inform them of the vehicle you own so that they can make an appropriate key for your vehicle.
Utilizing Your Memory
If you lose your car keys, you could be anxious. Try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and search more thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and utilize the power of your memory to remember where you found your car keys the last time. If you're having difficulty remembering where they were, go back your steps once more and look for any clues that might have surfaced.
If you're not getting any luck you can contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. They'll require information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match the security chip you have already installed. They can also give you suggestions on how to prevent any future loss of keys.
Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a huge issue. You could contact your local locksmith and make a new key. As cars become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and also more expensive. It is essential to have an extra car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in case you lose yours.
The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to confirm that the lost key is actually missing. Check the pockets of your jacket or pants as well as the back of your car, and other places you may not normally look for, like the inside of a purse or shoe. Check your owner's guide to determine if it contains any specific instructions on how to reset your key in case it stops working.
If you've checked all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it is time to call an expert for the replacement. The cost of a new key can vary from $50 to more than $200 depending on the type you have. If you have a traditional key, you could have the locksmith simply cut a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is a cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a replacement key.
You'll need to contact your dealer and request that your vehicle towing for them to order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll have to pair the new key to your vehicle's electronic key, which could be a costly and lengthy process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you will have the assistance of a professional should you ever require it!
Make sure your vehicle's security system is working
There is no doubt that modern cars are equipped with sophisticated security features to ensure that the car's contents are safe from thieves. Although these features are typically an excellent thing but they can also make the car keys more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to obtain an alternative key for these vehicles although the process is more complex and costly than it was in the past. The exact cost will differ according to the kind of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of before getting one made.
The classic double-edged car keys can be converted into a spare key at any hardware store or dealership. The cost is usually less than $10, and is perfect as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. Transponder chips are employed in the latest models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. These chips need to be programmed using a specific machine, which is generally only available at certain dealerships.
A local locksmith can help you if you need an extra key for these vehicles. They will require the model and year of the car, along with some other information (like your registration number or title) to confirm that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths are capable of making these keys onsite, saving you the time of having to visit an agent.
The dealership is the best option if there isn't a spare. They are the best place to speak to since they know the vehicle and what keys you require to start it. This can be costly, but they won't be open for assistance on the road.
If you want a less expensive alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal you can transmit to an app on your phone. The app can then show you where your keys are located, helping you find them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!
Find a new key
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or another. It can happen at the most awkward times, like at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to find your keys again, this can be a very stressful situation if you don't have an extra set at home or with your family.
There are still ways to obtain a replacement key in case you've lost your original. The procedure is dependent on the kind of key you have and the vehicle you are using.
If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to create a new one immediately. This option is less than $200 and can be done much faster than buying one from a dealership.
You'll need to visit the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealership will be able to locate your information and send you the right key at a cheaper price than if you went to a 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 going to a dealer. However, it may not be feasible when your car is older or has a high price.
It is advisable to have a spare set of keys. Keep it in a safe place, such as 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 an outerwear item with large pockets. Don't forget to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you have on runners. Double-check your trunk if you have left the keys there. It's easy to forget you put them in there and they could easily be stolen if someone else takes off in your vehicle.