How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Everyone loses their car keys at some point or some other time. It happens more frequently than people realize, however, and it can be a major trouble.
It is possible to replace lost car keys, dependent on the type of key that you own. 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 can be difficult, especially when it happens at a hectic time of day and you have to go somewhere. It's not the end of the world and there are a variety of steps you can take to help you locate your lost car key replacement.
The first thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This can be done by returning to the places you have been and taking a look around, at both home and at work. This will give you an idea of the last place you've seen your keys and could guide you to where they might be.
If you still can't locate your car keys, contact a locksmith or dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to make an entirely new key for you, and decode the existing locks on your vehicle so that only the new key can start it. They will also delete the old key to ensure that if someone does manage to get it, they can't drive your vehicle.
Be sure to have your VIN on hand before you contact a dealer or locksmith. This number is located on the door of the driver or dashboard. It will allow them to know what vehicle you drive and they will be able to create keys that are compatible with.
Memory Exercises
If you lose your car keys, you may be anxious. Try to keep your cool. This will enable you to think clearly and thoroughly. Close your eyes and take a moment to relax. Then you can use your memory to remember the last time you saw your keys. If you're having difficulty remembering the exact location, retrace your steps and search for any clues that may have surfaced.
If you are still having issues, contact an authorized locksmith or a dealership in your area to get help. You'll have to give them details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll then be able create keys that match the security chip you have already installed. They'll also be able to guide you on ways to prevent future key loss.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car were not a major problem. You could contact your local locksmith and make a new key. As cars become more high-tech as well, so have keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. replacing lost car keys is why it's crucial to always keep an extra key in your car or at a minimum, know the amount the dealership for your car will charge you for a replacement in the event that you lose one.
You must first see if the key is really missing. This can be done by checking the pockets of the clothing you were wearing when you last used your car, or looking in the backseat of your car or even looking in areas you don't normally see like the inside of a shoe or purse. It is also advisable to go through your owner's manual and see if there are any specific instructions for the kind of key you own for example, how to reset it in the event that it goes dead.
If you've tried everything but still haven't found your car keys, you should contact a professional to get an alternative key. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional, key fob or switchblade) it can cost you anything from $50-$200 to purchase a new one. If you have a conventional key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and reprogram it to work with your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's prices, which can be as much as $320 to replace a lost key.
For a key fob, or switchblade key, you'll need to call your dealership and have the car towing in to request an additional key for your vehicle based on the VIN. Then, they'll need to pair the new key with your vehicle's computer which can be an expensive and time-consuming process. This is why it's a great idea to add Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you can get the assistance of a professional should you ever require it!
Check the security system of your car.
It's no secret that many modern vehicles are fitted with sophisticated security features to protect the vehicle's content from theft. Although these features are typically beneficial but they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting a replacement key for these cars, but the process is more complicated and costly. The cost will be according to the type of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of prior to having one made.
The easiest kind of car key to make a spare key for is the classic double-edged key that can be purchased at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. The cost is typically less than $10, and it is perfect as a backup key to start your car in an emergency situation. Transponder chips are used in more recent models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, including locking and unlocking, turning off and on, and other functions. These chips need to be programmed with a specific machine that is only available in some dealerships.
A local locksmith can help you if you require a spare key for these cars. They will need the model and year of the car and other information (like your registration number or your title) to verify that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site which will save you time from having to visit dealers.
If you do not have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They will be the most familiar with your car's model and the keys required to start it. This can be expensive, but they won't be open for roadside assistance.
Try using a Bluetooth key tracker as an alternative that is affordable. These devices are attached to your key ring and emit a signal you can then connect to an app on your phone. The app can then show you where your keys are located, helping you locate them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!
Find a new key
Every car owner loses their keys at one point or another. It happens at the most inconvenient times, while at a gas station or loading groceries into your trunk. It is not difficult to find your keys again, but it can be stressful if do not have a spare set of keys at home or with a friend.
There are ways to get a new key if you've lost your original. The process depends on the type of key you have and your vehicle.
If you own an ignition lock cylinder key, for example it's fairly easy to have a locksmith local to make a replacement on the spot. This is less than $200, and it's typically quicker than purchasing one from a dealership.
You'll need to visit the dealer if you own remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealer will find your information 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 a replacement key with the help of the VIN number of your car, as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative than visiting a dealership. However, it may not be possible in the case of a vehicle that is older or has a high price.
It is recommended to have a spare set of keys. Keep it in a secure place, such as your home, so that you don't have to worry about losing it if you leave your vehicle. Check your pockets and purses frequently, particularly if you have an outer garment or jacket that has large pockets. Check places you might not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoes in the event that you wear runners. Make sure you check your trunk if have left keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They could be stolen if someone drives away in your vehicle.