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How to Get a Replacement Car Key Car keys are known to have a habit of disappearing from pockets, in between cushions on couches or just out of sight altogether. If they do, replacing keys isn't as difficult or expensive as you might think. You can usually get a spare key by using your vehicle identification number (VIN) found on your registration certificate or title certificate. Lost Keys It was an enormous hassle when you lost your car keys. You could visit your local dealership and pay a small amount of money, and get a replacement key. This is no longer the case, thanks to modern technological advancements in car security and anti-theft technology. The process of replacing keys that have been lost is more expensive and time-consuming. The type of car key you have is a significant element in the cost you have to pay for an alternative. The older metal “insert-and-turn” keys aren't as common in modern vehicles and therefore are more expensive to replace. The first step is to identify the type of key you have in your car, which you can usually do by checking the ring on your key or calling your dealer for specific instructions. The next thing you need to do is find out the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your car. This is a unique vehicle identification number (VIN) which is located on the door jambs or windshield washer reservoir. It can also be located in the owner's manual or on a sticker placed under the driver's side of the dashboard. Auto locksmiths can often help in the event of a lost key and are one of the fastest and most affordable alternatives for replacing your car keys. You can also visit your local hardware store and ask the associate if they can make a duplicate of your key. They are usually able to do this for most kinds of automobiles provided they have the correct key blanks. Another option is to contact roadside assistance. They can assist you with the replacement of the car key that was lost and will usually be capable of providing an alternative transponder. Some insurance companies offer a replacement car key service as an additional benefit. The costs can be high, particularly when you lose a digital key fob. The best way to avoid this is to always have an extra key in your possession and keep it in a secure location. Stolen Keys If you are concerned about your vehicle being stolen, it's crucial to report the loss immediately. This will help to ensure that the key isn't used by unauthorized people, which could result in costly damage to your vehicle. This could include scratches on the doors, damage to the ignition and much more. You can also file a police report that may help identify the person who took your key. One of the most effective ways to safeguard yourself from theft is to buy a top-quality, car-specific fob. These are not only more secure than standard keys however, they also have features such as trunk release remote engine start, trunk release and proximity systems that allow you to lock and unlock your car by simply pressing the fob. You should always have an extra fob in your home in the event that you lose the keys to your car. It is possible to replace a key that's not a fob, but it requires more time and effort. The blank key must be cut, and the key programmed to work with the security system in your car. This can be accomplished by a locksmith who has the right tools and experience but it's generally more expensive than replacing your lost key fob. A replacement key can be purchased at the dealership. It will cost more however, the dealer will have specific equipment that will help to prevent your car from being stolen. The dealer will also have a copy of the identification number of your vehicle, which is useful for filing an official police report in the event that your vehicle is stolen. In certain instances you may have to bring your new key to the dealership in order to get it programmed to your vehicle. This is usually a quick procedure, however it may depend on the particular model of your vehicle. Bring your key and a valid photo ID and a copy of your car's registration or title so that the technician can verify that you are the owner. Key Damage A damaged key fob may cause issues if you've got an electronic car key that locks and opens your vehicle. In these instances, you'll need a replacement to ensure that the key fob can do its job. Smart keys are susceptible to breaking and have a limited lifespan. This is one reason why a lot of people have a spare car key. If a key-fob stops working, its battery is usually dead. If key replacements car doesn't function, you might need to replace the key fob. In this instance it is recommended to take the key fob into an auto dealer. They'll have the tools needed to create the new key fob and can reprogram it to your vehicle. Keys will naturally wear away when used however, they can be damaged in various ways too. Accidents such as dropping your keys 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 this problem quickly and easily however, it is important to work with a professional who has the right qualifications. It is not advisable to fix a broken key yourself. This could cause further damage to your home or car. An effective way to prevent this kind of issue is to keep your keys in a safe place when not in use. This can lower the likelihood of it being stolen or lost and also help protect your key from being damaged by elements outside. You should also consider investing in a case that protects your key to further shield it from accidents or weather. This will help prevent your key from becoming worn down or even damaged completely. Keys that are lost Keys It's a pain to lose your car keys. You feel as if you've lost your most valuable personal item, regardless of whether they were tossed out of the supermarket by a child, tossed on the table in your kitchen as you ate lunch or fell out of your pocket when you were walking your dog. And when keys are the only means of getting to where you're headed, it could be a real emergency. Take a deep breath before you panic, and try these tips. Immediately check where you usually put your keys, or at the very least the last time you've had them. Look first in the places where they might have “drifted” or fallen under something. Then, move to the next spot, and the next. You may be surprised to find them in a location you didn't expect. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle 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 in the dashboard. It's also included in the owner's manual. If you have an extra key, reach for it. One of the best ways to ensure you don't lose your car keys is to keep a spare. You might have hidden it in a convenient place at home, or have entrusted it to a roommate or family member. You should also try calling the police in your area to find out whether they've handed over any keys. It's not a bad idea to ask about your workplace or at school, too. You never know who could have stumbled across your keys and be willing to return them to you.