A. The Most Common Lost Car Key Replacement Debate Doesn't Have To Be As Black And White As You Think How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement

It's a fact of life that every car owner loses their keys at some time. It happens more frequently than most people realize it can be a big hassle.

Fortunately replacing related web site lost can be relatively simple, depending on what type of key you own. If you have the VIN or proof of ownership, you can get the most basic keys at your local hardware store.

Retract Your Steps

The loss of your car keys can be stressful, especially if it happens at a busy time of the day when you need to get somewhere. However, it's not the end of the world and there are a number of ways to help you locate the replacement car key you lost.

It is recommended to retrace your steps. This means going back to the places you've been to and looking around, both at home and work. This will give you an idea of the last place you recalled seeing your keys and can guide you to the location they might be.

If you still can't locate your car keys, contact a locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They will be able create a new car keys for you, and will decode your existing locks so that only the key can start the vehicle. They will also delete the old key so that if anyone does manage to obtain it, they can't drive your vehicle.

Make sure you have your VIN on hand before you contact the locksmith or dealer. This is the number found on your driver's side dashboard or door panel and will let them know which vehicle you own so that they can make keys that match.

Memory Exercises

If you've lost your car keys, you could be frightened. However, try to remain calm. This will help you think clearly and look more thoroughly. Relax your eyes and close them. Then utilize your memory to remember the last time you saw your keys. If you're having difficulty remembering the exact location, retrace your steps once more and look for any clues that could have been discovered.

If you're having no luck, contact a local locksmith or dealer for assistance. You'll have to provide them with information about your vehicle and the security system that it uses and they'll be able to create a replacement key that will pair with your security chip. They'll also provide advice on how to prevent the loss of your keys in the future.

Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In the past losing or misplacing car keys wasn't a big deal. You could contact your local locksmith and get a new key made. As cars evolved and so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and more expensive. It is essential to have an extra car key or to be aware of the cost of replacing it in the event that you lose yours.

The first thing to do when you lose your car keys is to confirm that the lost key is indeed missing. Check the pockets of your pants or jacket as well as the back of your car, and other places you might not normally check for, like the inside of your purse or shoe. It is also advisable to check your owner's manual to see if there are any specific instructions for the type of key you own for example, how to reset it if it becomes dead.

If you've checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it's time to get an expert for an alternative. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional or key fob, or switchblade) it could cost you between $50-$200 to purchase an alternative one. If you own an old-fashioned key, you can get the locksmith to make a new key and reprogram it to your vehicle. This is less expensive than the dealer's rates which can be as much as $320 to replace a 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 an additional key for your vehicle based on the VIN. Then, they will have to pair the new key to your vehicle's computer, which can be an expensive and lengthy 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 need it!

Verify the security system of your vehicle.

No secret is that many modern cars are equipped with advanced security features that ensure that the car's contents are safe from thieves. While these security features are generally beneficial however, they can make keys for cars more difficult to replace. There is still a possibility of getting a replacement key for these cars, however the process is more complicated and expensive. The exact cost will differ according to the kind of key your vehicle uses, which you should be aware of prior to having one made.


The easiest type of car key to create a spare key for is the classic double-edged key that can be replaced at any hardware store, locksmith or car dealership. It is usually less than $10 and serve as a backup or to start the car in the event of an emergency. Transponder chips are utilized in more recent models of keys to control various aspects of the vehicle, like locking and unlocking, turning off and on, as well as other functions. These chips need to be programmed using a special machine that is only available at certain dealerships.

A locksmith near you can assist you if you need an extra key for these advanced cars. They will require the model and year of the vehicle, along with some other information (like your registration number or your title) to prove that they are the owner of the vehicle. Certain locksmiths can create these keys on-site and save you the hassle of having to visit a dealer.

If you don't have a spare, the alternative is the dealership. They'll be the most familiar with your particular vehicle and the keys required to start it. It can be expensive, and they will not be able to provide roadside assistance.

Try a Bluetooth key tracker for an affordable alternative. These devices attach to your key ring, and emit an audio signal that you can then connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will provide you with the whereabouts of your keys, helping you to find them and prevent them from getting lost in the first place!

Get a new code

Everyone loses their keys at some moment in time. It can happen in 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 again, but it can be stressful if don't have a spare set of keys at home or with a buddy.

There are ways to get a replacement key in case you've lost your original. The procedure is dependent on the kind of key you have and the car you drive.

If you have an ignition lock key that is a cylinder, like it's fairly easy to have a local locksmith make a replacement immediately. This is less than $200, and it's usually quicker than buying one from the dealership.

If you have a key fob with an external transmitter, however you'll need to go to the dealer. The dealer will identify your details, and send you the correct key for a lower cost than what you would pay a locksmith.

If you have evidence of ownership like the title or registration or registration, a locksmith might be able to create an entirely new key with your VIN. This is a less expensive alternative than going to a dealer. However, it may not be a possibility if your vehicle is newer or expensive.

The best method to avoid losing your keys is having an extra. Keep it in a safe location, such as your home, so that you don't have to be concerned about losing it when you leave your car. Be sure to check your purses and pockets frequently, especially if have an outer garment or jacket that has large pockets. Be sure to check places you wouldn't normally reach, like the inside of your shoes if you wear runners. Check your trunk to see if you have put your keys in there. It's easy to forget about the keys in your trunk. They can be stolen if someone drives away in your car.