15 Terms Everybody In The Lost Car Key Replacement Industry Should Know
How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Every car owner loses their keys at one time or another. It happens more often than people think, but it is a huge trouble.
It is possible to replace lost car keys, depending on the type of key you have. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership you can have the most basic keys made at your local hardware store.
Retract Your Steps
It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly if it happens during a busy time of the day when you have to go somewhere. It's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways to help you find the replacement car key you lost.
The first thing to do is to retrace your steps. This can be done by going back to the places where you've been to and taking a look around, at both your home and work. This will help you locate the keys by noting the last time you saw them.
If you are still unable to locate your car keys, you can call an auto locksmith or a dealership in your area for help. They'll be able to make a new key for you, and decode the locks on your vehicle to ensure that only the new key is able to start it. They will also delete the old key to ensure that if anyone does manage to obtain it, they can't drive your vehicle.
Before you speak to a locksmith or dealer make sure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) in your pocket. This number is found on the driver's door panel or on the dashboard. It will allow them to know what car you own and they will be able to create keys that match.
Memory Exercises
You may be tempted fear losing your car keys However, keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and conduct a thorough search. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and utilize the power of your memory to recall the location where you last were last able to see your car keys. If you can't remember the location of your keys you were, go back to the steps and search for clues.
If you're unable to solve the problem, contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. You'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and its security system, and they'll be able to make a replacement key that is compatible with your security chip. They'll also be able guide you on steps to prevent key loss.
Make sure you have a valid vehicle Identification (VIN).
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. Contact your local locksmith to get a new car key. As cars become more high-tech as well, so have keys becoming more difficult and expensive to replace. It is essential to have a spare car key or to know the cost of a replacement 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 lost key is actually missing. Check the pockets of your pants or jacket, the backseat, and other places that you may not normally go like the inside of a shoe or purse. Also, you should look through the owner's manual to find out if there are specific instructions for the kind of key you have like how to reset it in the event that it goes dead.
If you have checked all the possibilities but are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact a professional for a new one. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob or switchblade) it can cost you anything from $50-$200 to purchase an alternative one. If you have a standard key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and change it's programming to match your car. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's prices that can be as much as $320 to replace the lost key.
For a key fob or switchblade key, you'll need to contact your dealer and have your car towed in for them to request a new key for your vehicle in accordance with the VIN. Then, they'll have to connect the new key with your vehicle electronically this can be an expensive and time-consuming process. It's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service by GEICO to your policy to ensure that you receive assistance from a professional if needed!
Make sure your vehicle's security is checked.
There is no doubt that modern cars are equipped with sophisticated security features to protect the vehicle's content from thieves. Although these features are typically an excellent thing, they can also make keys for cars more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to obtain a new key for these vehicles however, the process is more complex and expensive than in the past. The cost of a new key will depend on the type of vehicle you own. It is essential to be aware of this prior ordering one.
The easiest type of car key to make a spare for is the traditional double-edged key which can be re-used at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. It will typically cost less than $10 and be a perfect backup or to start the car in an emergency. The latest models of automobiles, however, use transponder chips in the keys to control various aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to switching on and turning off. The chips have to be programmed with a specific device that is only available in some dealerships.
A locksmith near you can assist you if you require a spare key for these cars. They'll need the model and year of your vehicle, as well as some other details to confirm that you're the owner (like your car registration number or title). i lost the key to my car can make these keys on the spot, saving you time from having to visit an agent.
If you do not have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They are the best person to speak to since they know the vehicle and what keys you'll need to get started with it. It can be expensive, and they will not be available for roadside assistance.
To get a more affordable alternative, consider a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring and emit a signal you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app will then show you the location of your keys, aiding you in finding them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!
Find a New Key
Everyone loses their car keys at one point or another. It can happen at the most awkward times, like at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. Although it's easy to locate your keys again, it can be a very stressful scenario if you don't have a spare set in your home or with your friends.
There are still options to obtain new keys in the event that you've lost the original. The process depends on the type of key you have and the vehicle you are using.
If you own an ignition lock key for a cylinder, for instance it's relatively simple to have a locksmith local to create a new one on the spot. This is less than $200 and is much quicker than purchasing one from a dealer.
If you have a key fob with an external transmitter,, you'll need go to the dealer. The dealer will be able to find your information and send you the correct key for a much lower price than what you would pay for a locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to create a replacement key using your car's VIN, as you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealership however it's not always possible when you own a brand new or more expensive car.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having a spare. Place it in a safe location, like your home, so that you do not have to worry about losing it if you leave your car. Check your pockets and purses often, especially if you wear an outer garment or jacket that has large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't usually reach, such as the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Also, make sure to check the trunk of your car if you put keys there. It's easy to forget that you left them there and they're easily taken away if someone else leaves in your car.