The Leading Reasons Why People Are Successful On The Lost Car Key Replacement Industry
How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
Every car owner loses their keys at some point or some other time. It happens more frequently than people think, however it can be a major trouble.
Fortunately the replacement of lost car keys is fairly simple depending on the type of key you have. The most basic keys can usually be made at a local hardware store if you can provide the VIN number or proof of ownership.
Retract Your Steps
Losing your car keys is frustrating, especially when it happens at a hectic time of the day when you have to go somewhere. It's not the most unpleasant thing in the world. There are many ways to find your car key replacement.
The first thing you have to do is retrace your steps. You can do this by going back to the places you have been to and taking a look around, both at the workplace and at home. This will help you locate the keys by telling you where you last was able to see them.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, contact a locksmith or a dealership in your area for assistance. They will be able create an entirely new car key for you, and will decode the locks you have in place so that only the key is able to start the car. They'll also erase the old key from the system of your vehicle, so if someone does manage to get their hands on it the key, they won't be able to drive your vehicle.
Make sure car keys lost no spare have your VIN handy prior to contacting the locksmith or dealer. This number is found on the driver's door panel or on the dashboard. It will let them know what car you own so they can create keys that are compatible with.
Utilizing Your Memory
If you lose your car keys, you could be frightened. But try to keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and thoroughly. Close your eyes and take a moment to relax. Then, use your memory to recall the last time you viewed your keys. If you're having difficulty remembering where they were, go back your steps again and look for any clues that might have been discovered.
If you're not getting any luck, contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. You'll be required to provide information about your vehicle and its security system, and they'll be able to create a replacement key that can be paired with your security chip. They'll also be able to give you tips on how to avoid the loss of your keys in the future.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a big deal. Call your local locksmith to get a new car key. However, as cars have become more high-tech, so too have their keys, making them more difficult and expensive to replace. This is why it's crucial to keep a spare key around or at the very least know how much your car dealer will charge to replace it if you lose one.
You should first check to find out if the key really missing. This is done by checking the pockets of the clothing you were wearing when you last used your car, or looking inside the back seat of your car, and even checking places that you would not normally look like the inside of a shoe or purse. It is also advisable to go through your owner's manual and determine if there are specific instructions for the kind of key you have for example, how to reset it in case it becomes dead.
If you have checked everything and still can't locate your car keys, it's time to get an expert to get the replacement. Depending on the type of key you own (traditional or key fob, or switchblade) it can cost you anything from $50-$200 to purchase an alternative one. If you own an old-fashioned key, you can usually get the locksmith to cut a new one and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's prices, which could be as high as $320 to replace the lost key.
You'll need to call your dealer and get your vehicle towing to them so they can purchase a new VIN-based keys for your vehicle. They'll then need to connect your new key with your vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and time-consuming procedure. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you can get the assistance of an expert if you ever require it!
Check Your Vehicle's Security System
It's no secret that many modern cars have fancy security features designed to keep the vehicle's contents safe from thieves. These features make it harder to replace car keys. It's still possible to get a replacement key for these cars, however the process is more complicated and expensive. The cost of a new key will depend on the type of vehicle you own. It is important to be aware of this prior to purchasing one.
The most straightforward type of car key to make a spare key for is the classic double-edged key that can be replaced at any locksmith, hardware store, or car dealership. The price is typically less than $10, and can be used as a backup key or to start your car in an emergency situation. More recent models of cars, 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 specific machine that is only available at certain dealerships.
A local locksmith can help you if you need an extra key for these vehicles. They will require the model and year of the vehicle, along with some other details (like your registration number or your title) to verify that they are the owner of the vehicle. Some locksmiths can make keys on site and save you the hassle of needing to visit an agent.
If you don't have a spare, the alternative is to go to the dealership. They are the best place to ask because they know your car and what keys you require to start it. It could be costly and they won't be able to provide roadside assistance.
To get a more affordable alternative, try using a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices clip onto your key ring and emit a signal you can transmit to an app on your smartphone. The app will provide you with the location of your keys aiding you in finding them and preventing them from getting lost in the first instance!
Find a New Key
Every car owner loses their keys at some point or another. It can happen at the most awkward times, like at a station or loading groceries into your trunk. Even though it is easy to locate your keys again, this can be a stressful experience in the event that 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 procedure varies based on your kind of key and your vehicle.
If you own an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like it's relatively simple to have a local locksmith create a new one on the spot. This option costs less than $200, and is often quicker than getting one from a dealership.
You'll need to go to the dealer if you own a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able to find your information and send you the right key for a much lower price than when you visit an locksmith.
A locksmith might also be able create an alternative key by using the VIN number of your car, as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This is a much less expensive alternative to visiting an auto dealer, but it's not always feasible if you own a newer or more expensive vehicle.
It is recommended to have a spare set keys. Place it in a secure place, like your house and you won't have to worry about putting it in the event that you leave your vehicle. Check your pockets and purses frequently, especially if have 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 when you wear shoes. Make sure you check your trunk if have left the keys there. It's easy to forget you put them in there and they could easily be taken away if someone else takes off in your vehicle.