20 Fun Facts About Lost Car Key Replacement

How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement Everyone loses their car keys at one point or some other time. It happens more often than most people realize it can be a major problem. Fortunately, replacing lost car keys is fairly simple, depending on what type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys at the local hardware store. Retract Your Steps It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially when it happens during a busy time of the day when you have to go somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of steps you can take to help you find your car key replacement. It is recommended to retrace your steps. This involves going back through the places you've visited and looking around at home as well as at work. This will give you a good idea of the last place you remember seeing your keys and can guide you to where they might be. If you're unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps you'll want to call an auto locksmith or a local locksmith to get help. They'll be able to make an entirely new key for you, and decode the locks on your vehicle so that only the new key is able to start it. They'll also erase the old key so that if anyone does manage to get it, they aren't able to drive your car. Be sure to have your VIN handy prior to contacting a dealer or locksmith. This is the number located on your driver's side dashboard or door panel, and it will allow them to know what car you own so they can make an appropriate key for your vehicle. Utilizing Your Memory If you lose your car keys, you might feel panicky. But try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search more deeply. Close your eyes, relax and use the power of your memory to remember where you saw your car keys last. If you are unable to remember the location of your keys you were, go back to the steps and look for clues. If you're not getting any luck, contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and the security system it has and they'll be able to make a replacement key that will pair with your existing security chip. They'll also be able to advise you on ways to prevent future key loss. Check 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 call your local locksmith and make a new key. But as cars have become more advanced as well, so have keys becoming more expensive and difficult to replace. That's why it's important to always have an extra key in your car or at the very least know how much the dealership for your car will charge for a replacement in the event that you lose one. It is important to first determine if the key is really missing. This can be done by looking in the pockets of the pants or jacket you were wearing when you last used your car, looking inside the back seat of your vehicle or even looking in places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or a purse. Check your owner's guide to determine if it contains any special instructions on how to reset your key if it is dead. If you've done everything you can and you are still unable to locate the car keys, then it's time to call an expert to obtain an alternative key. g28carkeys.co.uk of a new key will vary from $50 to over $200 based on the type you own. If you have a standard key, a locksmith can typically cut a new key and reprogram it to work with your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's price that can be as much as $320 to replace the lost key. You'll have to contact your dealer and request that your car towed by them to allow them to order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll have to connect the new key to your vehicle's electronic key which could be a costly and lengthy process. This is why it's a good idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can get the assistance of a professional should you ever require it! Verify the security system of your vehicle. It's not a secret that many modern vehicles come with sophisticated security features that are designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from thieves. Although these features are typically beneficial however, they can make the car keys more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting a replacement key for these vehicles, but the process is more complex and costly. The cost will be according to the kind of key your vehicle has, and this is something you need to be aware of prior to having one made. The easiest kind of car key to make a spare for is the classic double-edged car key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith, or car dealership. The cost is typically less than $10, and it can be used as a backup key or to start your car in a dire situation. More recent models of automobiles, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, from locking and unlocking to switching on and turning off. The chips have to be programmed with a special machine, which is generally only available at certain dealerships. If you're looking to create an additional spare for these advanced types of cars, a locksmith local to you is likely to be able. They will require the model and year of the car, along with some other details (like your registration number or title) to verify that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths are able to make these keys onsite and save you the hassle of having to visit dealers. The dealership is the best option if you don't own spare. They are the most familiar with your specific car and the keys that are needed to get it started. This could be costly however, and they won't be open for assistance on the road. To get a more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will show you where your keys are located, aiding you in finding them and preventing them from being lost in the first place! Find a new key Everyone loses their keys at some time or another. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's simple to find your keys again, this can be a very stressful situation in the event that you don't have a spare set at home or with your family. There are, however, options for you to get an alternative key even if you've lost your original. The procedure is dependent on the type of key you have and your vehicle. If you have an ignition lock cylinder key, for example it's relatively simple to have a locksmith local to create a new one right on the spot. This option costs less than $200, and it's often quicker than getting one from the dealership. You'll need to visit the dealer if you have an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able identify your details, and will send you the right key at a lower price than what you would pay a locksmith. A locksmith might also be able create an alternative key using your car's VIN, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting an auto dealer however it's not always feasible if you own a brand new or more expensive car. It is best to keep a spare set of keys. Keep it in a safe location, like your home and you won't need to think about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check the pockets and purses frequently, especially if you wear an outerwear item with large pockets. Be sure to check the places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes, especially if you're on runners. Finally, be sure to check the trunk of your car if you have 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.