An Lost Car Key Replacement Success Story You'll Never Believe

How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement It's a fact that we all lose car keys at some point. It happens more frequently than people think however it is a huge trouble. Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys can be relatively simple depending on the kind of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership then you can get the most basic keys made at your local hardware store. Retract Your Steps It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, especially if it happens during a busy time of the day when you need to be somewhere. It's not the worst thing that can happen. There are many ways to find your car key replacement. It is recommended to retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've been to and taking a look around at home as well as at work. This will give you an idea of the last place you recalled seeing your keys and could lead you to where they might be. If you are still unable to locate your car keys, contact a locksmith or dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to make a new car keys for you, and will decode the locks you have in place so that only the key can start the vehicle. They'll also erase the old key out of your vehicle's system, meaning that if someone does manage to gain access to it the key, they won't be able to drive your car. Before you call a locksmith or dealer make sure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. The VIN is on the driver's door panel or on the dashboard. It will let them know what vehicle you own and they will be able to create keys that are compatible with. Utilizing Your Memory You may be tempted fear losing your car keys However, try to remain calm. This will allow you to concentrate and thoroughly. Close your eyes and take a moment to relax. Then you can use your memory to remember the last time you viewed your keys. If you're struggling to remember where they were, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that might have been discovered. If you're experiencing issues, call an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. You'll have to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system it has, and they'll be able create a new key that is compatible with your security chip. They'll also be able guide you on steps to prevent key loss. Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a major problem. You could simply call your local locksmith to have a new key made. As cars have become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and costlier. It is essential to have an extra car key, or to know the cost of replacing it in case you lose yours. The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to ensure that the key you lost is actually missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the clothing you wore when you last used your car, or looking inside the back seat of your vehicle as well as checking out places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Also, you should look through the owner's manual to find out if there are specific instructions for the type of key you have like how to reset it in the event that it goes dead. If you've checked everything and you are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact a professional to get an alternative key. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional keys, key fobs, or switchblade), it will cost you between $50-$200 to purchase an alternative one. If you own an old-fashioned key, you could have the locksmith simply make a new key and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a less expensive alternative to paying a dealer, who could charge up to $320 for a replacement key. You'll need to call your dealer and get your car towed to them so they can purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. Then, they'll have to pair the new key with your vehicle's computer, which can be an expensive and lengthy procedure. It's a great idea add Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to allow you to receive expert assistance if you need it! Make sure your vehicle's security system is working It's no secret that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features to ensure that the car's contents are safe from theft. These security features make it harder to replace car keys. It's still possible to get a replacement key for these cars, but the process is more difficult and costly. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the kind of vehicle you have. It is essential to know this before ordering one. The most straightforward type of car key to create a spare key for is the classic double-edged key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. The price is typically less than $10, and it is perfect as a backup key to start your car in a dire situation. Transponder chips are used in the latest models of keys for cars to control various aspects of the vehicle, including locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. The chips have to be programmed with a specific machine that is only available in some dealerships. When you need to make an additional spare for these sophisticated cars, a locksmith local to you should be able to help. They'll need the model and year of the car, along with some other details (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner. Some locksmiths will be capable of making keys in-person which will save you the hassle of having to go to a dealer. If replace lost keys don't have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the most familiar with your specific car and the keys required to start it. It could be costly, and they will not be available for roadside assistance. Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal that you can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app can then show you where your keys are, helping you locate them and preventing them from being lost in the first place! Find a New Key Everyone loses their keys at some point. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, such as at a gas station, or loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard to locate your keys, but it is stressful if you do not have an extra set of keys at home or with a companion. Fortunately, there are still options to obtain an alternative key even if you've lost your original. The process is different based on the kind of key and your vehicle. For instance, if you have a traditional key that fits into an ignition lock cylinder it's easy to have a locksmith make an immediate replacement. This option costs less than $200, and it's usually quicker than buying one from a dealership. You'll need to visit the dealer if you own an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to identify your details, and will send you the right key at a cheaper price than you'd pay locksmith. A locksmith may also be able to make keys for replacement using the VIN of your vehicle, so you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a much less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership however it's not always feasible if you own a newer or more expensive vehicle. The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having a spare. Keep it in a secure location, like your home, so you do not have to be concerned about losing it when you leave your car. It's also important to inspect pockets and purses regularly especially if you're wearing a coat or jacket with large pockets. Be sure to check the places you wouldn't normally reach, such as 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 stolen when someone drives away in your car.