How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that every car keys lost owner loses their keys at some moment in time. It happens more frequently than most people realize, and it can be a huge problem.

Fortunately, replacing lost key to car no spare car keys is relatively easy, depending on what type of key you own. 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

It's frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly if it happens during a busy period of the day when you need to be somewhere. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways you can help you locate your lost car key replacement.

The first thing you have to do is go back to where you started. This means going back to the places you've been and taking a look around, both at home and work. This will help you find the keys, letting you know where you last was able to see them.

If you are still unable to locate your car keys, call a locksmith or dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to create a new car keys for you, and will decode your existing locks so that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also wipe the old key from your vehicle's system, so should someone manage to get their hands on it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your car.

Be sure to have your VIN in hand prior to contacting a dealer or locksmith. This is a number that's found on your driver's side dashboard or door panel, and it will allow them to know what car you own so they can create keys that match.

Using Your Memory

If you've lost your car keys, you may be frightened. However, try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and look more thoroughly. Close your eyes and relax. Then, use your memory to recall the last time you viewed your keys. If you're having difficulty remembering where they were, retrace your steps and search for any clues that might have surfaced.

If you are still having trouble, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. They'll require specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match the security chip you have already installed. They'll also provide suggestions on how to replace lost car keys to prevent any future loss of keys.

Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A few years ago losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a big deal. Call your local locksmith and find a replacement car key. But as cars have become more technological as well, so have keys, making them more expensive and difficult to replace. It's essential to have an extra car key or to know the cost of a replacement in the event that you lose yours.

The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the lost key is actually missing. Check the pockets in your jacket or pants, the backseat, and other places you might not normally look like the inside of your purse or shoe. You should also go through your owner's manual and find out if there are special instructions for the kind of key you own, such as how to reset it in the event that it becomes dead.

If you've checked everything and you are still unable to locate the car keys, then it's time to call an expert to obtain new keys. The cost of a new key will range from $50 to $200 depending on the type you have. If you have a conventional key, a locksmith can typically cut a new key and modify it to match your car. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's rates that can cost as much as $320 to replace a lost key.

You'll need to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towing by them to allow them to obtain a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll need to connect the new key to your vehicle electronically, which could be a costly and lengthy procedure. It's a great idea add Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to the policy to allow you to receive assistance from a professional if needed!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

It's no secret that a lot of modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that are designed to protect the contents of the car from thieves. Although these features are typically beneficial, they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. It's not difficult to find an alternative key for these cars however, the process is more involved and costly than it was in the past. The cost will be according to the kind of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of before getting one made.

The most straightforward kind of car key to make a spare key for is the classic double-edged key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. The cost is typically less than $10 and can be used as a backup key to start your car in an emergency situation. Transponder chips are employed in the most recent models of keys to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, turning on and off, and other functions. The chips have to be programmed by a special machine, which is typically only available through certain dealerships.

If you're in need of an extra for these more sophisticated automobiles, a locksmith in your area should be able to help. They will require the model and year of the vehicle, along with some other information (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner. Some locksmiths are capable of making these keys onsite, saving you the time of going to dealers.

If you don't have a spare car, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best place to ask because they know the car and the keys you'll need to get started with it. It can be expensive and they won't be able to assist you on the road.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal you can then connect to an app on your phone. The app will then inform you where your keys are, helping you locate them and preventing them from getting 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 such as at a gas station or while taking groceries out of your trunk. Even though it is easy to find your keys once again, it can be a very stressful scenario when you don't have a spare set at home or with your family.

Fortunately, there are still options for you to get an alternative key if you have lost the original. The procedure varies based on your type of key and the vehicle you are using.

If you own an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like it's fairly easy to have a local locksmith make a new one on the spot. This option costs less than $200 and is typically quicker than purchasing 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 locate your information and send you the right key for a much lower price than for locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able to make keys for replacement using the VIN number of your car, as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealership however, it's not always possible when you own a brand new or more expensive car.