How to Get a Replacement Car Key
Car keys are notorious for disappearing into pockets, couch cushions or out of sight. However, when they do, getting replacement keys isn't as difficult or costly as it may seem.
You can often get an extra key that is made using your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is usually located on the title or registration certificate.
Lost Keys
It was the case that losing your car keys was a huge inconvenience. You could go to the dealership, pay the small amount and get a new key. With the advances in anti-theft and security for cars technology the process is no longer possible. The process of replacing keys that have been lost is more costly and time-consuming.
The type of car key that you have is an important factor in the cost you have to pay for a replacement. The more basic "insert and turn" keys aren't common in modern cars which is why they are more affordable to replace. You can identify the type of key in your car by taking a look at the key ring, or by calling your dealer.
The next thing you need to do is determine the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your vehicle. It is a unique number that is assigned to every vehicle produced, and it can be located by checking the door jamb or windshield washer fluid reservoir. It can also be located in the owner's guide or on a sticker located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
Auto locksmiths can often help in the event of losing keys, and they are among the quickest and most affordable options for car key replacement. You can also request an employee at your local hardware store to make copies of your car key. As long as they have the correct key blanks, they will generally do it for all car models and makes.
Another option is to call roadside assistance. They can assist you in the process of replacing a lost car key and will usually be able to provide an alternative transponder. Some insurance companies provide car key replacement as an option. However, the cost could still be high, especially in the event of losing the key that you have paired with an electronic car fob. The best way to prevent this is to always have a spare key available and keep it in a secure place.
Stolen Keys
Report the loss of your key immediately if you are worried about your car being stolen. This will ensure that the key cannot be used by a unauthorized person, which could lead to expensive damage to your vehicle. This can include damage to the ignition, scratches on the door and much more. You could also file a police report, which could be helpful in identifying the person who stole your key.
One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from theft is to purchase an expensive, car-specific key fob. These are not only more secure than standard keys and keys, but they also include features like trunk release remote engine start, trunk release and proximity systems that let you lock and unlock your vehicle by pressing the fob. Always keep an extra fob at home in the event that you lose your car keys.
A key that's not an actual fob can be replaced however, it will require longer and require more effort. The blank key must be cut and the key programmed to function with your car's system of security. This can be accomplished by a locksmith with the right tools and experience however, it's typically more expensive than replacing the lost key fob.
Another option is to purchase a new key at the dealership. It will cost more, but it is also an option that is safer because the dealer has access to specialized equipment that can keep your car from being stolen. The dealership will be able to duplicate of your vehicle's identification number, which can be useful if you need to submit an official police report in the event of theft.
In some cases, you might need to bring your new key to the dealership in order to have it programmed to your vehicle. This is typically a fast process, but it can depend on the specific model of your vehicle. Bring your key and a valid photo identification, and an original registration or title of your vehicle, so that the technician can verify your ownership.
Key Damage
If you have a smart key that locks your car's doors and then starts it, a damaged key fob could cause problems. In these instances you'll require a replacement to ensure the key fob is able to perform its task. It's not uncommon for smart keys to fail and have a short lifespan. This is why many people have a spare car keys.
If a key-fob ceases to function, the battery is usually dead. You may try replacing the battery, but if this doesn't work, you may have to replace the entire key fob instead. In this case it is recommended to bring the key fob to an auto dealer. They will have all the equipment necessary to create a new key fob, and they can also reprogram your vehicle.
Keys will naturally wear away when used, but they can be damaged in different ways. Inaccidents such as dropping your key on a hard surface or getting it stuck in a door may cause dents and cracked. These damage can make your keys difficult to use or impossible.
A locksmith can resolve this problem quickly and efficiently however, you should employ a professional. It's not recommended to try to repair damaged keys on your own. This can result in further damage to your vehicle or home.
Keep your keys in a safe place when not in use to avoid this problem. key car replacement will reduce the chance of it being lost or stolen and help protect your key from being damaged by the elements. It is also recommended to invest in a protective case for your key to protect it from accidents or weather. This will prevent your key from being damaged or worn down.
Misplaced Keys
There are few things more annoying than misplacing your car keys. You feel like you have lost your most precious personal possession, no matter if they were tossed out of the supermarket by a child, left on the kitchen table as you ate lunch, or fell out of your pockets while you were walking your dog. And when the keys are your only way to get where you're headed, it could be a real emergency.
But before you panic, take a deep breath and try these tips:
Check where you normally keep your keys, or at a minimum, where you stored them last time. Sometimes they "drift" to the side or get lost under something, so take a look in those places first. Then, move to the next area and the next. You may be surprised to find them in a location you'd never imagined.
Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle and its key number. You'll need this information later or to contact your dealer or a locksmith. Your VIN can be found on the driver's side of the door or stamped onto a metal plate in the dashboard. It's also included in the owner's manual.
If you have an extra key, you should grab it. A spare key is among the best ways to prevent losing your car keys. You may have hidden it in a safe place at home or given it to your roommate or a family member.
It is also a good idea to contact the police in your neighborhood to find out whether they've handed over any keys. It's not a bad idea to ask for help at your work or school, too. You never know when someone has found your missing keys and might be willing to give them back to you.