Christopher Brandt

How to Find Your i lost my only car key Car Key Replacement

Everyone loses their car keys at one time or another. It happens more frequently than people think and is a huge hassle.

Fortunately, replacing lost spare car key car keys is fairly simple depending on the type of key you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at a local hardware store if you provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.

Retract your steps

Losing your car keys is frustrating, especially when it happens at a hectic time of the day when you're required to travel. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways you can help you locate the replacement car key you lost.

The first thing to do is to retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've been to and looking around at home and work. This will give you an idea of the last location you remember seeing your keys and could help you find where they could be.

If you are unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll need to call an area locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll be able to create an entirely new car key for you, and will 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 someone does manage to obtain it, they won't be able to use your vehicle.

Make sure you have your VIN on hand before contacting an agent or locksmith. This is the number located on your driver's dashboard or door and will inform them of the car you own so they can create a new key to match.

Using Your Memory

You might be tempted to fear losing your car keys, but keep your cool. This will enable you to think clearly and search thoroughly. Close your eyes, relax and make use of your memory to remember where you found your car keys the last time. If you're struggling to remember the exact location, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that might have been discovered.

If you're unable to solve the problem, contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll be required to provide details about your vehicle and the security system that it uses, and they'll be able to create a new key that is compatible with your existing security chip. They'll also guide you on steps to prevent key loss.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

In the past losing or misplacing car keys was not a big deal. You could contact your local locksmith and make a new key. However, as cars have become more advanced and sophisticated, so have their keys become more difficult and expensive to replace. It's essential to have an extra car key, or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in the event you lose yours.

The first thing you need to do when you lose a car key is to ensure that the lost the keys to My car key is not actually missing. This is done by checking the pockets of the clothing that you wore last time you used your car, looking inside the back seat of your vehicle as well as checking out places you wouldn't usually look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Also, you should look through the owner's manual to see if there are any specific instructions for the kind of key you own for example, how to reset it if it dies.

If you've checked all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to call an expert to get a new one. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional, key fob or switchblade) it could cost you between $50 to $200 to get new keys. If you own a traditional key, you can have the locksmith simply cut a new one and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's rates that could be as high as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.

You'll have to contact your dealer and request that your car towed for them to order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. They'll then need to pair your new key with your vehicle electronically. This can be costly and a lengthy process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can get the assistance of a professional should you ever require it!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

There is no doubt that modern vehicles come with advanced security features that ensure that the car's contents are safe from thieves. These security features make it harder to replace keys for your car. Fortunately, it's not impossible to get an alternative key for these vehicles although the process is more involved and costly than in the past. The cost of a new key will vary on the kind of vehicle you own. You should be aware of this prior ordering one.

The easiest kind of car key to make a spare key for is the traditional double-edged key that can be purchased at any locksmith, hardware store or car dealership. The cost is typically less than $10, and can be used as a backup key or to start your car in an emergency situation. Modern models of cars, however use transponder chips in the keys to control various aspects of the car keys lost what to do including locking and unlocking to turning on and off. The chips have to be programmed using a special machine that is only available at certain dealerships.

A local locksmith can help you with an extra key for these advanced cars. They'll need the model and year of the vehicle as well as other information (like your registration number or title) to prove that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on the spot, saving you time from visiting an agent.

If you don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They will be the most familiar with your car's model and the keys needed to get it started. This can be costly, however, and they won't be open for assistance at the roadside.

If you want a less expensive alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring, emitting signals that you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will provide you with the location of your keys, aiding you in finding them and prevent them from getting lost car key with no spare in the first instance!

Get a New Key

Everyone loses their keys at some point. It can happen at the most unavoidable of situations such as at a petrol station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. It is not difficult to find your keys again however it can be stressful if you do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a buddy.

Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase an alternative key even if you've lost your original. The procedure will depend on the type of key you own and your vehicle.

If you have an ignition lock cylinder key, for example, it is relatively easy to get a locksmith in your area to make a replacement on the spot. This option is less than $200 and can be completed much quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.

You will need to visit the dealer if you have a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to find your details and provide you with the correct key for a much lower price than for locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able to make an alternative key using the VIN of your vehicle, so you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a much less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership, but it's not always feasible if you own a brand new or more expensive vehicle.

The best way to prevent losing your keys is by having a spare. Keep it in a safe location, like your home, so that you don't need to be concerned about losing it when you leave your car. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if have a coat or jacket with large pockets. Don't forget to look at places that you would not normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you are on runners. Double-check your trunk if you have left the keys there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your vehicle.