Ten Things Your Competitors Teach You About Lost Car Key Replacement
How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that everyone loses car keys at some point. It happens more frequently than most people realize, and it can be a big hassle.
Fortunately replacing lost car keys car keys lost is relatively easy depending on the kind of key you have. The most basic keys can be made at the local hardware store if you provide the VIN number or evidence of ownership.
Retract your steps
It's frustrating to lose your car keys, especially when it occurs during a busy period of time when you have to go somewhere. It's not the most frustrating thing that can happen. There are a variety of ways to locate your car key replacement.
You should first retrace all your steps. This can be done by going back to the places you have been and taking a look around, at both the workplace and at home. This will give you an idea of the last place you've seen your keys and can lead you to where they could be.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, call an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able create an entirely new key for you and also decode the existing locks on your vehicle, so that only the new key will be able to start it. They'll also wipe the old key out of the system of your vehicle, so even if someone does gain access to it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your car.
Before you call a locksmith or dealer, ensure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This number is found on the door of the driver or dashboard. It will allow them to know what car you own and they will be able to create a key that matches.
Memory Exercises
If you lose your car keys, you might be frightened. Try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and search more deeply. Close your eyes, relax and make use of your memory to remember where you were last able to see your car keys. If you're unable to recall where you put your keys, retrace the steps and look for clues.
If you're unable to solve the problem you can contact a local locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll require information about your vehicle as well as its security system. They'll then create a new key that matches the security chip you have already installed. They'll also be able to give you tips on how to avoid future key losses.
Check Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could simply contact your local locksmith and make a new key. But as cars have become more high-tech as well, so have keys, making them more expensive and difficult to replace. It's essential to have a spare car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing lost keys it in the event you lose yours.
The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to make sure that the key you lost keys is indeed missing. Check the pockets in your pants or jacket along with the backseat and other places you may not normally check, such as the inside of your shoe or purse. Check your owner's guide to determine if it contains specific instructions on how to reset your key if it becomes dead.
If you've checked all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact an expert to get a new one. The cost of a new key will range from $50 to $200 depending on the type you own. If you have a conventional key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and change it's programming to work with your vehicle. This is a much cheaper alternative to paying a dealer, who may charge up to $320 for a replacement key.
For a key fob, or switchblade key, you'll need to contact your dealer and have your vehicle towed to them to purchase an additional key for your vehicle that is based on the VIN. Then, they will have to connect the new key with your vehicle's electronic key this could be a costly and lengthy process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance policy, so that you can get the assistance of an expert if you ever need to!
Make sure your vehicle's security system is working
It's no secret that many modern cars come with fancy security features designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from thieves. While these security features are generally beneficial but they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. It's not difficult to obtain an alternative key for these cars, though the process is more complex and costly than it was in the past. The cost of the new key will be contingent on the kind of vehicle you have. It is important to be aware of this prior to purchasing one.
The classic double-edged car key can be turned into a spare key at any hardware store or dealer. The cost is usually less than $10 and is perfect as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. Transponder chips are utilized in the most recent models of keys to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, turning off and on, and other functions. These chips must be programmed with a specific machine that is only available at certain dealerships.
If you're looking to create an extra for these more advanced models of cars, a locksmith local to you will be able to assist. They'll need the model and year of your vehicle and other details to confirm that you are the owner (like the registration number of your car or title). Some locksmiths can make these keys on-site and save you the hassle of visiting dealers.
If you don't have a spare car, the alternative is the dealership. They are the best place to ask because they know your car and what keys you require to start it. This could be costly, however, and they won't be available for assistance at the roadside.
For a much more affordable alternative, consider a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal you can connect to an app on your phone. The app will then show you the whereabouts of your keys, helping you to find them and prevent them from being lost key to car no spare in the first instance!
Get a new code
Every car owner loses their keys at some point or another. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to locate your keys again, it can be a stressful experience if you don't have a spare set in your home or with your family.
Fortunately, there are still alternatives to purchase new keys even if you've lost your original. The process is different based on the kind of key and your vehicle.
For example, if you have a standard key that is inserted into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to have a locksmith create an immediate replacement. This option costs less than $200, and is typically quicker than purchasing one from the dealer.
You'll need to visit the dealer if you have an electronic remote with an external transmitter. The dealership will be able to find your information and send you the correct key at a lower cost than what you would pay when you visit a locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to create keys for replacement with the help of the VIN number of your car, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a much less expensive alternative to visiting an auto dealer however, it's not always possible when you own a newer or more expensive car.
The best way to prevent 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. Check your pockets and purses frequently, especially if wear an outer garment or jacket that has large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't typically reach, such as the inside of your shoes if you wear runners. Make sure you check your trunk if have put your keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be taken when someone drives away in your car.