20 Misconceptions About Lost Car Key Replacement: Busted
How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact that everyone loses car keys at some moment in time. It happens more than people think, but it is a huge inconvenience.
It is possible to replace lost car keys, depending on the type of key you have. The most basic keys can usually be made at the local hardware store if you can provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.
Retract Your Steps
Losing your car keys is stressful, especially if it happens at a busy time of the day and you have to go somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing in the world. There are several ways to find your car key replacement.
The first thing you have to do is to retrace your steps. You can do this by returning to the places where you've been and taking a look around, at both your home and work. This will give you an idea of the last location you've seen your keys, and may guide you to where they could be.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, contact a locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able create the new key for you, and decode the existing locks on your vehicle so that only the new key can start it. They'll also wipe the old key out of your vehicle's system, so even if someone does gain access to it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your car.
Be sure to have your VIN in hand before you contact the locksmith or dealer. lost key to car no spare is a number that's found on your driver's side dashboard or door panel and will allow them to know what vehicle you own so that they can create keys that match.
Utilizing Your Memory
You may be tempted fear losing your car keys however, try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search more deeply. Close your eyes, relax and utilize the power of your memory to recall the location where you last were last able to see your car keys. If you're having trouble remembering where they were, retrace your steps and search for any clues that might have been discovered.
If you are still having trouble, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. You'll be required to provide details about your car and the security system that it uses and they'll create a new key that can be paired with your existing security chip. They'll also be able to give you advice on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
In the past the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a big problem. You could just contact your local locksmith and get a new key made. As cars have evolved, so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and costlier. It is essential to have an extra car key, or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in the event that you lose yours.
The first thing to do when you lose a car key is to make sure that the key you lost is indeed missing. Check the pockets in your pants or jacket as well as the back of your car, and other places you may not normally go, such as the inside of a purse or shoe. You should also go through your owner's manual and find out if there are specific instructions for the type of key you have for example, how to reset it in the event that it dies.
If you've tried everything but still cannot find your car keys, it's time to get an expert to get a new one. The cost of a new key can vary from $50 to over $200, based on the kind you have. If you have a conventional key, the locksmith will usually cut a new one and reprogram it to match your car. This is less expensive than the dealer's rates, which can cost as much as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.
You'll need to call your dealer and request that your car towed for them to purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. They will then have to connect your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and time-consuming procedure. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can have the help of an expert if you ever require it!
Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.
It's not a secret that many modern cars have fancy security features that are designed to keep the contents of the vehicle safe from thieves. These features make it harder to replace the car keys. There is still a possibility of getting keys for replacement for these cars, but the process is more complex and costly. The cost will be according to the type of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of prior to getting one made.
The classic double-edged car key can be made into a spare at any hardware store or at a dealership. The cost is usually less than $10 and can be used as a backup key to start your car in an emergency situation. Transponder chips are employed in more recent models of keys to control various aspects of the vehicle, such as locking and unlocking, switching off and on, and other functions. These chips need to be programmed using a specific machine, which is generally only available at some dealerships.
A locksmith in your area can assist you if you need an extra key for these cars. They'll need the model and year of the car as well as other details (like your registration number or title) to confirm that they are the owner. Certain locksmiths are capable of making keys in-person and save you the hassle of having to go to dealers.
If you don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best people to speak to since they know the vehicle and what keys you require to start it. This can be expensive but they won't be available for assistance on the road.
For a much more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices connect to your key ring, emitting signals that you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are located, helping you locate them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!
Get a new code
Everybody loses their keys at some time or another. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, while at a station or 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 new keys even if you've lost your original. The process depends on the type of key you have and the car you drive.
If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's fairly easy to have a local locksmith make a new one right on the spot. This is less than $200 and can be completed quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership.
You will need to visit the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able identify your details, and send you the correct key at a cheaper price than what you would pay locksmith.
If you have evidence of ownership, like the title or registration or a certificate of ownership, a locksmith might be able to create a new key using your VIN. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting a dealership. However, it might not be a possibility when your car is older or costly.

It is best to have a spare set of keys. Keep it in a safe location, like your home, so that you do not have to worry about losing it if you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets often, especially if you have an outer garment or jacket that has large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't usually reach, such as the inside of your shoe when you wear shoes. Finally, be sure to check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys in there. It's easy for you to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your vehicle.