How to Get a Lost Car Key Replacement

Losing your keys can be a frightening and stressful experience. It's essential to be calm and watch your surroundings (you may find them in your bag or on the floor).

Next, you should take note of your vehicle identification number (VIN) so that you can get a new key made. There are several ways to do this, however the most cost-effective is likely an auto locksmith.

1. Find your keys

You should look for lost Keys in car your keys if they are lost them. This may sound easy, but it's often ignored. You can start by making a note of your steps. This will help you remember where you put your keys, and can also help you find areas you have a difficult to look into. The human mind tends to return to cleared spots which is why it's not a bad idea to explore the nooks and crannies of your home that you typically avoid.

Another option is your local lost and found. Someone might have located your key if you lost keys in car (linked webpage) it in a gym, school, or in a business establishment. Try to provide as much detail about the key as possible -- such as what it looks like, its make and model, as well as other details.

Another thing to try is to reach out to your dealer. You can typically get a new car key from a dealer, but the price will be more than $200. They can also code and cut the existing key to work with your ignition. This could require that you bring your current working key to match the contours. This can be a challenge when you're trying to get back on your way.

2. Find a Replacement

If you've lost your car key and don't have a spare one, you can replace it at a local dealership or auto locksmith. The cost will be based on the kind of key you own and how you lose it. If you lose your conventional simple, double-edged key that you insert into the ignition of your car to start it you can replace it at your local hardware store for around $10. If you lose the smart key, transponder or key fob that has an auxiliary switchblade, it will be more difficult to replace. These keys are equipped with an embedded transmitter that connects to your car to unlock doors as well as start the motor.

They are designed to make them more secure and harder to duplicate than conventional keys. If you own one of these keys, you will require a visit to a dealership that has your model and year or an locksmith who can request it for you. If you have roadside assistance they can also pair a brand new key to your car for you if they have the correct code in their system.

Contacting a locksmith for your car who specialises in your car is the best way to obtain a replacement car key. They will be aware of the year, make and model of your vehicle and have the necessary equipment to create a replacement key.

3. Get Reprogramming

Car keys can get lost in coat pockets, sofa cushions, or simply on their own. Finding a replacement key is one thing, but you still need to program it to work in your vehicle. While many DIY sites will suggest you can do it yourself but it's not a wise idea to try it unless you've got the proper equipment and are aware of the procedure. It's a complex process, and if you do it wrong, you might end in a compromised security system.

In the majority of instances, you'll need to take your vehicle to a dealer or locksmith to have it reset. You can save money by purchasing an additional car key and cutting it by an expert locksmith. Then you can follow the steps to program it, which is typically in the owner's guide for the vehicle.

Before you start the process, close all the doors and lock your vehicle. Then sit in the driver's seat, insert a working key and switch it to the on position, but don't turn on the engine. You will hear a ringing sound when you press the lock button on the third key fob. This means that it was successfully programmed. Repeat the procedure for each additional fob, until they're all programmed. This will ensure that the new keys that you have will be able to unlock and begin your vehicle.

4. Find a New Key

Your warranty usually does not cover the cost of replacing lost car key keys that are lost in your car. However, some roadside assistance programs (like GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service) may offer help with replacing your key at an affordable price.

To obtain a replacement, first figure out what kind of key you have. If you have a traditional steel key that is inserted into the cylinder of ignition, it's simple to replace with an automotive locksmith. They'll simply duplicate the key and then use a machine for tracing the outline of the original to make the new key. This process typically takes only less than a few seconds.

Transponder keys that contain chip inside and need to be programmed by your car's computer to function and are more complex. A professional locksmith may be able to reprogram them, but the best option is likely to visit the dealership for your car.

It is recommended to keep a spare car key in a secure location such as your pocket, when you leave home. So, you'll always have a vehicle that works even in the event that your other key gets stolen or lost. Review your insurance policy and determine if they can assist in the replacement of your keys. If it does, you'll save money if you go through your auto dealer instead of an independent locksmith. GEICO members can get free roadside assistance, that includes car keys, if they require it.