How to Get a Replacement Car Key Car keys are notorious for disappearing in pockets, couches or even out of sight When they do, replacing keys isn't as costly or difficult as you might think You may be able to get a spare key made using your vehicle identification number VIN, which is usually found on the title or registration certificate Lost Keys It was an enormous hassle when you lost your car keys You could go to the dealership and pay a small amount of money and receive a new key With the advancements in anti-theft as well as car security technology, this is no longer feasible The replacement of a lost car key can be much more expensive and time consuming The type of car key you have is an important aspect in the price you have to pay for a replacement Older basic metal "insert and turn" keys aren't very common in modern vehicles and therefore will be more affordable to replace You can determine the kind of key that is in your car by looking at the key ring or by calling your dealer The next step is to know the car's Vehicle Identification Number VIN It is a unique number that is assigned to each vehicle that is made, and it is located by looking at the door jamb or washer reservoir for fluid You can also find it in the owner's manual or on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver Auto locksmiths are often capable of helping you replace a lost car key They are also one of the most efficient and affordable options You can also request an associate at the local hardware store to create a copy of your car key They are usually able to do this for all makes and models of vehicles, as long as they have the right key blanks Another option is to call roadside assistance They can assist you in the replacement of keys for your car that have been lost and will typically be capable of providing an alternative transponder Some car insurance providers even offer a car key replacement service as an additional benefit 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 keep an extra key on hand and keep it in a safe location Stolen Keys Report the loss of your key immediately if you are concerned about the theft of your vehicle This will ensure that the key cannot be used by an unauthorised person, which could lead to expensive damage to your car This can include damage to the ignition and door, scratches and much more You may also submit a police report which may be useful in identifying who took your key A high-quality car-specific keyfob is among the best ways to protect yourself from theft These are not only more secure than regular keys and keys, but they also come with features such as trunk release remote engine start, trunk release, and proximity systems that let you lock and unlock your vehicle by pressing the fob It's always recommended to keep a spare key fob at home so that you're not stranded without your car in the event that you lose your keys It is possible to replace a key that's not an actual fob, but it requires more time and effort The blank key must be cut and then the key programmed to connect with the security system in your car This can be done by a locksmith with the right tools and experience however, it's typically more expensive than replacing your lost key fob Another option is to obtain a replacement key at the dealership It's more expensive, but the dealer has special equipment to help prevent your car from being taken The dealership will be able to copy of your vehicle's ID number, which can be helpful if you have to submit an investigation in the event of theft In certain situations, you might require taking your new key to a dealership to be programmed It's usually a simple process, but can vary depending on the model of your car Bring your keys along with a valid photo ID and a copy of your car's title or registration to ensure that the technician is aware that you are the owner Key Damage If you have a smart key that locks your car's doors and opens it, a damaged or defective key fob can cause problems In these cases you'll require a replacement to ensure the key fob is able to perform its task Smart keys can break and only last a certain amount of time Many people have an additional car key If a key fob isn't working, the battery is typically dead You may try replacing the battery, but if this doesn't work, you may need to replace the entire key fob instead If this is the case, it's usually recommended to take the car key fob to a dealer They'll have all the tools needed to make a new key fob, and they can also reprogram your vehicle Keys wear out with regular use, but they can also be damaged by various causes Accidents like dropping your key on hard surfaces or getting it stuck in the door can result in cracks and scratches These damages can make it difficult or impossible to use your key in the future https//notesio/w19HP can resolve this problem quickly and easily however, it is important to hire a professional who is certified It's not recommended to fix a broken key on your own This could result in further damage to your vehicle or your home Keep your keys in a secure place when not in use to avoid this problem This can lower the likelihood of it being stolen or lost, and will help to keep your key from getting damaged by the elements Consider purchasing a protective cover for your key This will help keep it safe from damage and weather This can help to prevent your key from becoming worn down or even damaged completely Keys that are lost There are few things more annoying than misplacing your car keys It doesn't matter if they were tossed by a toddler in the store or placed on the table where you ate your lunch or left in your pocket while walking your dog, you feel like you've lost your most valuable personal possession When keys are the only means to get you where you're going and it's an emergency But before you get scared take a deep breath and try these suggestions Examine where you typically keep your keys or at least where you kept them the last time Sometimes they "drift" to the side or get lost under something, so take a check those spots first Then, move to the next location You may be surprised to find them in a spot you didn't expect Note down your car's VIN number vehicle identification number and the key number You will need this information later in order to contact your dealer or locksmith You can locate your VIN on the driver's side doorpost or stamped on a steel plate that is on the dashboard It's also in your owner's manual If you have an extra key, you should grab it A spare key is among the most effective ways to avoid losing your car keys You may have hidden it in a convenient location at home or given it to a family member or roommate You can also contact the police in your area to find out whether they've surrendered keys It's not an ideal idea to inquire for help at your work or school as well You never know if someone has found your missing keys and is willing to give them back to you