How to Get a Replacement Car Key It can be a hassle to lose car keys It may also be expensive depending on the type of key you've got Calling an auto locksmith is the easiest method to replace a key This option is usually cheaper and faster than calling a dealership or roadside assistance Cost Not long ago lost your car keys was not a big issue You could simply go to the local hardware store and get an alternate key made Today, however, it's more complicated and expensive The reason for this is that cars are becoming more technologically advanced, which means their keys are too While this could make keys more secure against theft however, they are also more expensive to replace The cost of a lost key replacement will vary based on the year, make and model of your car Many newer vehicles have keys with transponders to stop theft These chips must be linked to your vehicle, which usually requires a locksmith or dealer The cost will vary depending on the model of your car however it could reach 200 Certain modern vehicles also have a laser-cut key that must be programmed with a specific machine only found at auto dealerships and specialist locksmiths The cost of keys for this kind of lock can be up to 100 The location of your house will also affect the cost You'll likely need to pay more for services if you live in an area with a lot of distance since the tow truck and locksmith must travel a long distance to reach you Locksmiths will also charge extra for work done on weekends, holidays or after hours The best way to cut down on the cost of losing a key is to keep a spare key on hand that can be kept at home or kept in your wallet Keep your car's title or registration papers on you These will be required to prove ownership in the event that you have to call an auto dealer to request a replacement key Additionally, you can also use your roadside assistance service to assist with the process They may be able to provide you with a temporary replacement, depending on their terms and conditions Time The loss of your car keys can be a hassle However, don't panic First, take a moment to search for your keys to your car in a convenient place such as your purse or pocket Then, go back through your day and try to remember where you might have put them keys This could help you remember where you left the keys, or even the location of them if they're in your car If you're unable to locate your car keys, it could be time to purchase new keys Most modern cars come with an electronic key fob that utilizes a code to unlock and start the vehicle This type of key needs to be programmed with your specific vehicle and this is usually a job that requires a professional Contact an auto locksmith and bring evidence of ownership The old-fashioned keys made of metal are more easily replaced than the remote key fobs They are 100 mechanical and simple to duplicate A local locksmith can replace your lost key on the spot They can also duplicate the ignition cylinder for your vehicle as an additional expense If you'd like to create copies of your old keys for your car, visit a hardware store that specializes in cars and get them made quickly and inexpensively You should also consider replacing your car keys if they're beginning to look worn down The use of keys over time can wear down the teeth on the key, and this can make it difficult to align them correctly If the key starts to stick, it may be time to replace it The dealer may need to program the key if you have an older model or a high-end automobile This is a difficult task that will take an extended time to complete and may cost a significant amount of money Depending on the make of your car, you may be able to have the work covered by your vehicle warranty or insurance The availability Even if your driving is good, you may lose your keys This can be a real hassle, especially if it happens at an inconvenient moment like when you're at the supermarket or gas station and want to return home There are many options to replace the key that was lost You can locate a locksmith, call roadside assistance, or even your insurance company You'll first need to determine the type of key you have This is important since the different vehicles use different types of keys Some are old-fashioned and lock through the key cylinder, while others have chips that communicate with the car to open the doors and open it up Certain keys can be easily replaced by an auto-locksmith, while others might require you to visit a dealership to purchase one from the manufacturer You should first read the guide, or call the dealer to get instructions on how you can program the key to your car You will need to provide proof that you own the vehicle and wait a few extra days for the dealer to make an order for a replacement This process could also require you to take your vehicle to a locksmith or service provider to be programmed, so this isn't the ideal option for people with tight schedules or have a limited mobility The process is much simpler in the event that you have an extra You can buy an online replacement key for your car for a reasonable price based on the model of your car If your keys have a key fob and transponder element, you'll need to go to a reputable expert to have them replaced and programmed Depending on the brand and model of your vehicle it could mean arranging for an auto towing service or paying a locksmith to complete the task for you A bluetooth tracker is an additional method to replace your car key These tiny devices are attached to your keyring, emitting the signature, which can be picked up using any mobile phone with an app installed The app will display the location of your key, so you can easily find it Insurance Car insurance typically does not cover the cost of keys that are lost However, there are some exceptions Some of the most reputable insurance companies, which are committed to ensuring customer satisfaction, provide additional insurance for things such as keys that are lost This is usually an additional cost, but it could be less expensive than having to pay out-of-pocket for key replacement costs Whether or not car insurance covers lost keys depends on the specific policy and deductible The majority of traditional metal keys are easily replaced however it can be more difficult if you have an electronic fob or smart key These keys are laser-cut and utilize computers that transmit a signal to your vehicle They are therefore more difficult to replace than mechanical keys https//wwwharrietfigueroatop/auto/unveiling-the-importance-of-key-replacement-for-your-car-a-guide/ are also more expensive since you'll have to pay a locksmith and the key itself You can consider using an auto club service or roadside assistance to save money in the event of replacing a lost key These services may offer discounts to locksmiths and may even reimburse you for the cost of replacing a key Some of these firms offer emergency lockout assistance which is helpful when you are in a hurry and have to travel Another option is to call your car dealer to see whether they can help There are locksmiths at most dealerships on staff, and they might be able to design you a new key for an affordable cost If the dealer has to order a key for the model you have, it may take several days Keep all receipts and paperwork regardless of the method you select This will enable you to file a claim if needed with your insurance company Losing keys to your car is a frequent occurrence It's not pleasant however, it can happen to anyone There are ways to minimize the consequences While the most affordable and quickest method of replacing your lost car keys is to contact locksmiths in your area, it's important to weigh the monetary benefits against the time involved and any possible deductible payment prior to making a claim to your insurance company