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How to Get a Replacement Car Key Car keys are notorious for disappearing into couches, pockets or even out of sight. But if they do, getting replacement keys isn't as difficult or costly as it may appear. You can usually find a spare key by using your vehicle identification (VIN), located on your registration certificate or title certificate. Lost Keys It used to be that losing your car keys was a huge hassle. You could just go to your local dealer, pay a little bit of cash, and then get an alternative key. Not anymore, with today's advancements in car security and anti-theft technology. The replacement of lost keys is more time-consuming and expensive. The kind of key you have will determine the price. The older metal “insert-and-turn” keys are less frequently used in modern vehicles and therefore are more expensive to replace. You can identify the type of key in your car by inspecting the key ring, or by calling your dealer. The next thing to do is determine the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your car. This is a unique code that is assigned to every vehicle produced and can be located by inspecting the door jamb or windshield washer fluid reservoir. It is also available in the owner's manual or on a sticker located under the driver's dashboard. Auto locksmiths can often help when you have lost keys, and they are among the quickest and most affordable alternatives for replacing your car keys. You can also visit your local hardware store and ask a staff member whether they can make a duplicate of your key. As long as they have the right key blanks, they can usually do it for most automobile models and makes. You can also reach out to roadside assistance. They can assist you in the replacement of keys for your car that have been lost and will usually be in a position to supply a replacement transponder. Some insurance companies offer car key replacement as an optional service. However, the cost can still be expensive, especially in the event of losing a key that is paired with an electronic car fob. It is best to keep a spare car key in a secure place and keep it at any time. Stolen Keys Report the loss of your keys immediately if you are worried about your vehicle being stolen. This will ensure that the key can't be used by an unauthorised person, which could lead to expensive damage to your vehicle. This could result in damage to the ignition or door, as well as scratches and more. You can also file an official police report that could aid in identifying the person who took your key. A high-quality car-specific fob is one of the best ways to guard yourself against theft. These are not only more secure than regular keys however, they also have features such as trunk release remote engine start, trunk release and proximity systems that let you lock and unlock your car by pressing the fob. Always keep an extra fob at home in case you lose your car keys. A key that's not a fob can still be replaced however it will require longer and require more effort. The blank for the key has to be cut and the key has to be programmed in order that it can be used with the security system of your car. This can be accomplished by a locksmith with the right tools and experience, but it's usually more expensive than replacing the lost key fob. A replacement key can be purchased at the dealer. It will cost more but the dealer has special equipment that can help protect your vehicle from being stolen. The dealer will also have a copy the vehicle's identification number which is useful for filing a police report if your vehicle is stolen. In some cases you may have to take your new key to a dealer to have it programmed. This is typically a fast procedure, but it could vary based on the model of your vehicle. Bring your key along with an acceptable photo identification along with an original registration or title of your vehicle, so that the technician is able to verify the ownership of your vehicle. Key Damage If you have a smart key that locks your car's doors and starts it, a damaged or defective key fob could cause issues. In these situations you'll need to replace the key fob in order to ensure it is able to perform its function. It's not uncommon for smart keys to break, and most have a limited lifespan. This is one reason why a lot of people have a spare car keys. Most of the time when a key fob doesn't working, it's because its battery has died. If the battery doesn't work you might need to replace the key fob. In this situation, it is best to bring the key fob to an auto dealer. They'll have the tools needed to create a new key fob and can reprogram it to your vehicle. Keys wear out with regular use, but can be damaged by a variety of causes. Accidents like dropping your key on hard surfaces or getting it stuck in the door can cause cracks and dents. These damage can make your keys difficult to use, or impossible. A locksmith can fix the issue quickly and effectively, but you should only employ an expert. It is not safe to attempt to repair a broken key by yourself. This could result in further damage to your vehicle or home. Place automotive key replacement in a safe place when not in use to avoid this issue. This will reduce the chance of it being stolen or lost and help protect your key from being damaged by elements outside. Consider investing in a protective cover for your key. This will help keep it safe from damage and weather. This can help to prevent your key from wearing down or damaged completely. Misplaced Keys There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It doesn't matter if they were tossed by a child at the grocery store, left on the kitchen table where you ate lunch or even slipped out of your pockets while walking the dog, you feel as if you've lost your most important personal item. If your keys are the only means to get you to where you need to go and it's an actual crisis. Relax before you panic, and try these suggestions. Find out where you usually keep your keys or at the very least, where you kept them the last time. First, look for areas in which they may have “drifted” or gotten lost under something. Then, move to the next spot, and so on. You may be surprised to find them in a location you never expected. Write down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) and the key number. You will need to know this information to contact your locksmith or dealer. Your VIN can be found on the driver-side door post or stamped onto a metal plate that is located on the dashboard. It's also included in your owner's manual. If you have an extra key, go for it. One of the most effective ways to prevent losing your car keys is to keep a spare. You may have hid it in a convenient location at home, or you might have given it to a roommate or family member. You can also contact the police in your area to find out if they've turned in keys. You can also ask around your workplace or school. You never know who may have stumbled across your keys and be willing to return them to you.