How to Get a Lost Car Key Replacement
The loss of car keys can be a terrifying and stressful event. It’s first important to remain calm and look around your belongings (you may have them in your bag or on the ground).
Write down your vehicle identification (VIN) number to be able to purchase a new key. There are a variety of methods to do this, however the most cost-effective is likely an auto locksmith.
1. Find Your Keys
You should try to locate your keys in case you’ve lost them. This may seem obvious, but is often forgotten about. Start by retracing the steps that you took. This can help you to remember where you placed your keys and also reveal areas that you couldn’t even see. Humans are prone to go back to areas that are clear and so don’t be frightened to look in the nooks and crannies of your home that you normally avoid.
You can also search for your local lost key for car (http://planmung.co.kr/bbs/Board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=98182)-and-found. Someone may have found your key in the event that you lost it at the gym, school, or in a business establishment. Try to provide as much detail about the key as possible — what it looks like, the make and model, and any other information.
Contacting your dealer is another option. They will usually be able to give you a brand new key for your vehicle, but it could cost more than $200. They can also cut and encode your existing key so it can be used with your ignition. This method may require that you bring in your working key in order to match the contours. This could be a big issue if you’re in the rush to get back on the road.
2. Find a Replacement
If you’ve lost the car key and do not have a spare, you can request a replacement at your local dealer or an auto locksmith. The cost will depend on the type of key you have as well as how you lose it. If you lose a standard double-edged car key one that you can put into the ignition in order to start your car, you can obtain a replacement at a local hardware store for $10. If you lose a smart key, transponder, or key fob with the switchblade, it’ll be more difficult to replace. The keys are equipped with a transmitter that communicates to your car in order to unlock doors and Lost key for Car begin the motor.
These keys are made to be more secure and difficult to duplicate than conventional keys. If you own one of these keys, you will have to go to a dealer which stocks your model and year, or locksmiths who can order it for you. If you have roadside help, they can pair an auto key for you, provided they have the correct code in their system.
Contacting an auto locksmith that specialises in your car is the best method to obtain a replacement car key lost key. They’ll know the model, make, and year of your car and have the tools needed to create a new key.
3. Reprogramming is available
Car keys have the ability to get lost keys of car inside coat pockets, under couch cushions, or simply disappear. It’s one thing getting an alternative however it still needs to be programmed to ensure it works in your car keys lost. While many DIY websites suggest that you can do it yourself however, it’s not a good idea to try it without the proper equipment and are aware of the procedure. This procedure is extremely complex and if done improperly, could result in an unsound security system or a malfunctioning module.
In the majority of cases, you will need to take your vehicle to the dealership or a locksmith to have it reprogrammed. You can save money by buying an additional car key and cutting it by professional locksmith. You can then follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to program the key.
Before you start the process, close all the doors and secure your vehicle. Sit in the driver’s seat and insert the working key, and turn it on but do not start the engine. You should hear a sound when you hit the lock button of the third fob. This indicates that it has been programmed successfully. Repeat the process with each fob until they all are programmed. This will ensure that your new keys will be capable of unlocking and starting the vehicle.
4. Get a New Key
The loss of a car key isn’t normally covered by your warranty. However, roadside assistance programs (like GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service) may help you replace your key at an affordable price.
Find out what kind of key you currently have. If you have a traditional metal key that fits into the cylinder of ignition it’s easy to replace it with an automobile locksmith. They’ll simply duplicate the key, then use a machine that traces the contours of the original key to create a replacement. This process typically takes only a few minutes.
Transponder keys are more complex because they have an embedded chip that must be programmed into your car. A professional locksmith may be able to reprogram them, but the best option is likely to visit the dealership for your car.
It is best to keep the spare car keys in a safe place, such as your pocket when you leave your home. You’ll have a functional vehicle even if you lose or steal another key. Also, you should check your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the replacement of your car keys. You’ll save money if choose to work with your auto dealer instead of an independent locksmith. GEICO members can get free roadside assistance, including car keys, if they require it.