How to Get a Replacement Car Key Car keys have a habit of disappearing from pockets, under couch cushions, or out of sight altogether When they do, replacing them isn't nearly as costly or difficult as you might think You can usually get an extra key using your vehicle identification number VIN found on your registration certificate or title certificate Lost Keys It used to be that losing your car keys was a huge inconvenience You could go to the dealership and pay the small amount and then get a new one No longer, thanks to the latest advancements in car security and anti-theft technology The replacement of a lost key is now more expensive and time-consuming The kind of key you have will determine the price The more basic "insert and turn" keys aren't common in modern vehicles which is why they are more affordable to replace You can determine the kind of key you have in your car by looking at the key ring or by calling your dealer The next thing to do is determine the vehicle Identification Number VIN of your car It is a unique car identification number VIN which is located on the door jambs and windshield washer fluid reservoir It can also be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker located beneath the driver's dashboard Auto locksmiths are often equipped to assist you in replacing a lost car key https//zenwritingnet/frosttuna3/5-motives-car-key-replacement-is-actually-a-great-thing are also among the most cost-effective and quick alternatives You can also ask an associate at the local hardware store to create copies of your car key They usually can do this for all makes and models of vehicles, as long as they have the right key blanks You can also reach out to roadside assistance They'll likely be able to help you with the process of losing your car keys and will generally offer a replacement transponder if needed Certain insurance companies provide car key replacement as an option The cost can be expensive, particularly if you lose an electronic key fob It is recommended to keep a spare car key in a secure location and to have it available at all times Stolen Keys If you are worried about your car being stolen, it is crucial to report the loss immediately This will ensure that the key will not be used by anyone who is not authorized, which could result in costly damages to your vehicle This can include damage to the ignition and door, scratches and more You could also make a police report which may be useful in identifying whoever took your key One of the best methods to protect yourself from theft is to invest in an expensive, car-specific key fob They're not just more secure than traditional keys, but they also have features like trunk release remote engine start, trunk release and proximity systems that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle with just a tap on the fob It's always a good idea to have an extra key fob home so that you're not left without your car if you lose your keys It is possible to replace a key that's not a fob, but it requires longer and requires more effort The blank for the key has to be cut and the key needs to be programmed so that it is compatible with the security system of your car A locksmith with the right tools and experience can do this, but it is typically more expensive than replacing the lost key fob Another option is to purchase an alternative key from the dealership It's more expensive however, the dealer will have special equipment to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen The dealership will have a duplicate of your vehicle's identification number, which can be useful if you need to submit a police report in the event of theft In some cases, you might need to bring your new key to the dealership and be able to program it into your vehicle This is usually a quick process, but it can vary based on the model of your vehicle Bring your key along with an acceptable photo identification and a copy of your registration or title of your vehicle so that the technician is able to verify the ownership of your vehicle Key Damage If you have an electronic key that locks your car's doors and starts it, a damaged key fob could cause problems In these cases, you'll need a replacement to ensure that the key fob can perform its function Smart keys are susceptible to breaking and have a limited lifespan This is why many people have a spare car keys Most of the time, when a key-fob isn't working, it's because the battery has failed https//telegraph/How-To-Make-An-Amazing-Instagram-Video-About-Replacement-Car-Key-09-14 can try replacing the battery, but if that isn't working, you might need to replace the entire key fob If this is the case, it's best to bring the car key fob to a dealership They'll have all the equipment necessary to create an entirely new key fob and they can also reprogram your car Keys will naturally wear away with use, but they can be damaged in various ways Inaccidents such as dropping your key on hard surfaces or getting it stuck in the door could cause cracks and dents These damages could make it difficult or impossible to use your keys again A locksmith can solve the issue quickly and effectively, but you should only work with a professional It's not advisable to try to repair the broken key on your own This could cause more damage to your home or vehicle Keep your keys in a secure location when not in use to avoid this issue This can lower the likelihood of it being stolen or lost, and will help to protect your key from being damaged by outside elements You should also think about investing in a case that protects your key to further shield it from accidents or weather This will help prevent your key from getting damaged or worn out Keys that are misplaced There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys If they were dropped by a ***** in the store or placed on the table where you had lunch, or slipped out of your pocket while walking the dog, you're feeling like you've lost your most important personal possession When keys are the only means to get you where you're going it can turn into a real crisis Take a deep breath before you get stressed and try these suggestions Check where you normally keep your keys or at the very least, where you kept them last time Sometimes, they "drift" to the side or end up under something, so take a look in those places first Then move to the next location and the next You may be surprised to find them in a spot you'd never imagined Note down the VIN vehicle ID number of your car and its key number You will need to know this information in order to contact your dealer or locksmith You can find your VIN on the driver's side doorpost or stamped on a metal plate on the dashboard You can also locate it in the owner's guide If you have an extra key, take it One of the most effective ways to prevent losing your car keys is to keep an extra You may have hid it in a safe place at home, or you might have entrusted it to someone in your family or roommate You can also call the police in your locality to see whether anyone has handed in keys You can also ask around your workplace or at school You never know if someone has discovered your missing keys and is willing to give them back to you