20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Lost Car Key Replacement How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some point. It happens more frequently than people think, however, and it can be a major hassle.

It is possible to replace lost car keys depending on the type of key you own. The most basic keys can be made at a local hardware store if you can provide the VIN number or proof of ownership.

Retract Your Steps

The loss of your car keys can be frustrating, especially when it happens at a hectic time of the day when you have to go somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways you can assist you in finding your lost car key replacement.

You should first retrace all your steps. You can do this by going back to the places you have been and taking a look around, at both the workplace and at home. This will help you find the keys by telling you where you last seen them.

If you're unable to locate your car keys after retracing your steps, you'll want to call an area locksmith or dealership for assistance. They'll be able to create the new key for you and decode the existing locks on your vehicle to ensure that only the new key is able to start it. They'll also erase the old key out of your vehicle's system, meaning that should someone manage to obtain it and steal it, they won't be allowed to drive your vehicle.

Before you contact an expert locksmith or dealer, make sure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. It's located on your driver's side dashboard or door and will let them know which car you own so they can design a new key to match.

Memory Exercises

If you've lost your car keys, you might be anxious. Try to keep your cool. This will allow you to think clearly and thoroughly. Close G28 and relax. Then, use your memory to remember the last time you saw your keys. If you're struggling to remember the exact location, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that could have been discovered.

If you're having no luck you can contact a local locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll require specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match the security chip you have already installed. They can also give you tips on how to avoid any future loss of keys.

Verify Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).

A few years ago, misplacing-or losing-your car keys wasn't a big deal. Contact your local locksmith to find a replacement car key. As cars evolved and sophisticated, so have keys. This makes them more difficult to replace and more expensive. This is why it's essential to keep a spare key around or at the very least know the amount your car dealership will charge you to replace it if you lose one.

You must first see if the key is really missing. Check the pockets in your jacket or pants, the backseat, and other places you might not normally go like the inside of a purse or shoe. Look through your owner's manual to determine if it contains specific instructions on how to reset your key if it becomes dead.

If you've checked everything and still can't find the car keys, then it's time to call an expert to obtain a new key. The cost of a new key will vary from $50 to over $200, based on the kind you have. If you own an old-fashioned key, you can usually get the locksmith to cut a new one and reprogram it for your vehicle. This is a cheaper option than the dealer's rates that could be as high as $320 to replace keys that have been lost.

For a key fob, or switchblade keys, you'll need to contact your dealer and have the vehicle towed to them to purchase an additional key for your vehicle based on the VIN. They will then have to connect your new key with your vehicle electronically. This can be a costly and time-consuming process. This is why it's a great idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your insurance, so you will have the assistance of a professional should you ever require it!

Check Your Vehicle's Security System

It's no secret that a lot of modern cars have fancy security features designed to keep the contents of the vehicle safe from thieves. While these features are usually beneficial however, they can make the car keys more difficult to replace. It's not difficult to get a new key for these vehicles however, the process is more involved and costly than in the past. The exact cost will differ based on the type of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of before getting one made.

The classic double-edged car key can be made into a spare at any hardware store or dealer. The cost is usually less than $10 and will work perfectly as a backup key to start your car in an urgent situation. Transponder chips are used in the latest models of car keys to control different aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, switching on and off, and other functions. These chips must be programmed with a special machine, which is generally only available at some dealerships.

When you need to make an additional spare for these advanced types of cars, a local locksmith will be able to assist. They'll need the year and model of your car as well as other details to prove that you are the owner (like your car registration number or title). Certain locksmiths are able to make these keys onsite, saving you the time of having to visit dealers.

If you do not have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They'll be the most knowledgeable about your car's model and the keys that are required to start it. This could be costly however, and they will not be available for assistance on the road.


For a much more affordable alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices attach to your key ring, emitting an audio signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will then display the location of your keys helping you locate them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!

Find a new key

Every car owner loses their keys at one point or another. It can happen at the most inconvenient of times such as at a gasstation or when loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard to find your keys however it can be stressful if you do not have an extra set of keys at home or with a companion.

There are still ways to get a replacement key if you've lost the original. The procedure is dependent on the type of key you own 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 local locksmith create a new one on the spot. This is less than $200 and is much quicker than purchasing one from a dealer.

You'll need to go to the dealer if you have remote keys that have an external transmitter. The dealer will find your information and then send you the correct key at a lower price than what you would pay a locksmith.

A locksmith might also be able to make an alternative key using the VIN number of your car, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a cheaper option than going to a dealer. However, it may not be possible if your vehicle is newer or expensive.

It is recommended to have a spare set of keys. Place it in a safe location, like your home, so you don't have to worry about losing it when you leave your vehicle. It's also important to check your purses and pockets regularly, especially if you wear an outerwear item with large pockets. Examine places that you may not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoes when you wear shoes. Also, make sure to check the trunk of your car if you put keys there. It's easy to forget you put them in there and they're easily taken away if someone else drives off in your car.