5 Laws To Help The Lost Car Key Replacement Industry

How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that we all lose car keys at some moment in time. It happens more than people think and is a huge inconvenience.

Fortunately, replacing 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 at the local hardware store.

Retract Your Steps

It's frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly when it happens during a hectic period of the day when you have to go somewhere. It's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways you can assist you in finding the replacement car key you lost.

It is recommended to retrace your steps. This can be done by going back to the places you've been to and taking a look around, at both your home and work. This will help you locate the keys, noting where you last seen them.

If you can't find your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll need to call a local locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll be able create a new key for you, and decode the existing locks on your vehicle, so that only the new key can start it. They'll also erase the old key off the system of your vehicle, so if someone does manage to gain access to it, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.

Before you contact a locksmith or dealer ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. The VIN is on the door of the driver or on the dashboard. It will inform them of the vehicle you own and they will be able to create keys that match.

Utilizing Your Memory

If you lose your car keys, you may feel panicky. However, try to remain calm. This will allow you to think clearly and search more deeply. Close your eyes and relax. Then, use your memory to remember the last place you saw your keys. If you are unable to remember where your keys were you were, go back to the steps and look for clues.

If you are still having trouble, contact an auto locksmith or a dealership near you for assistance. You'll need to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system that it uses and they'll be able make a replacement key that will pair with your existing security chip. They'll also provide you with preventive measures to avoid future key loss.

Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car were not a huge issue. Call your local locksmith and get a new car key. But as cars have become more high-tech, so too have their keys become more expensive and difficult to replace. It is essential to have an extra car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in case you lose yours.

You must first see if the key is really missing. Check the pockets in your pants or jacket along with the backseat and other places that you may not normally check, such as the inside of your purse or replacing lost car keys shoe. Check your owner's guide to determine if it contains any special instructions on how to reset the key if it is dead.

If you have checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it's time to call a professional for a new one. The cost of a new one will range from $50 to $200, based on the kind you have. If you own a traditional key, you can usually get the locksmith to cut a new one and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's price, which could be as high as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.

For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll need to call your dealership and have the car towed in for them to request an additional key for your vehicle based on the VIN. They will then have to connect your new key with the vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and lengthy procedure. 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 need it!

Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.

It's no secret that many modern cars have fancy security features that help protect the contents of the car from thieves. While these security features are generally a good thing but they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to find an alternative key for these vehicles however, the process is more complex and costly than it was in the past. The cost of a new key will depend on the type of vehicle you own. It is important to know this before ordering one.

The classic double-edged car keys can be turned into a spare key at any hardware store or dealership. The price is typically less than $10, and it will work perfectly as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. The latest models of cars, however, utilize transponder chips inside the keys to control different aspects of the vehicle including locking and unlocking to turning on and starting. The chips have to be programmed with a specific device that is only available at certain dealerships.

When you need to make a spare for these more advanced models of 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 information (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner of the vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to make these keys onsite which will save you the hassle of having to visit an agent.

If you do not have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best place to speak to since they know the car and the keys you need to start it. It could be costly and they may not be available for roadside assistance.

If you want a less expensive alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring, emitting an audio signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will show you the location of your keys helping you locate the keys and preventing them from being lost in the first place!

Find a new key

Everybody loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen at the most inconvenient of times like at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your trunk. It is not difficult to locate your keys however it can be stressful if don't have an extra set of keys at home or with a buddy.

There are ways to get a new key if you've lost car key no spare your original. The procedure will depend on the type of key you own and your vehicle.

For example, if you have a key that fits into an ignition lock cylinder it's easy to get a locksmith to make an immediate replacement. This will cost less than $200 and can be done much faster than buying one from a dealership.

If you have a key fob that has an external transmitter, however you'll have go to the dealer. The dealership will be able locate your information and send you the correct key for a much lower price than if you went to an locksmith.

A locksmith may also be able to make an alternative key by using the VIN number of your car, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting an auto dealer, but it's not always possible if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle.

The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having an extra. Place it in a secure place, like your house and you won't have to worry about leaving it in a place when you leave your vehicle. Make sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if have an outer garment or jacket that has 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. Also, make sure to double-check the trunk of your car, if you've put the keys in there. It's easy to forget you put them there, and they can easily get stolen if a driver takes off in your vehicle.