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How to Get a Replacement Car Key Car keys are known for disappearing into couches, pockets or out of sight. If they do, replacing keys isn't as costly or difficult as you might think. You can often get a spare key that's made with your vehicle identification number (VIN) that is usually on the title or registration certificate. Lost Keys It was a major hassle when you lost your car keys. You could go to the local dealer and pay a small amount of money, and receive a replacement key. With the advancements in anti-theft and security for cars technology, this is no longer possible. Now, the procedure to replace keys for a car that have been lost can be more costly and time-consuming. The kind of car key you have is an important factor in the price you pay for the replacement. The older metal “insert-and-turn” keys are less frequently used in modern vehicles and therefore are more expensive to replace. You can determine the kind of key you have in your car by taking a look at the key ring or by contacting your dealer. The next step is to know the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It is a unique number that is assigned to every vehicle that is made, and it can be located by inspecting the door jamb or washer fluid reservoir. You can also find it in the owner's manual, or on a sticker located beneath the driver's dashboard. Auto locksmiths can be helpful in the event of a lost key, and they are among the quickest and most affordable options for car key replacement. You can also request an associate at your local hardware store to make duplicate copies of your vehicle key. They can usually do this for most makes and models of vehicles provided they have the right key blanks. Another option is to contact roadside assistance. They will most likely be able assist you with the process of replacing your car key and will generally offer a replacement transponder if needed. Some insurance companies offer a car key replacement service as an add-on. However, the cost could still be expensive, especially in the event of losing the key that you have paired with an electronic car fob. The best way to avoid this is to always have an extra key on hand and keep it in a safe place. Stolen Keys Report the loss of your keys immediately if you are worried about your vehicle being stolen. This will help to ensure that the key will not be misused by unauthorised people and could cause costly damage to your vehicle. This can include scratches on the doors or the ignition and much more. You can also file an official police report to aid in identifying the person who took your key. One of the most effective things you can do to protect yourself from theft is to buy an expensive, car-specific key fob. They're not just more secure than regular keys and keys, but they also include features such as trunk release, remote engine start and proximity systems that let you lock and unlock your vehicle with just a tap on the fob. It's always recommended to keep a spare key fob at home so that you're not stranded without your car should you lose your 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 so that it is compatible with your car's security system. This can be accomplished by a locksmith equipped with the right tools and knowledge, but it's usually more expensive than replacing your lost key fob. Another option is to purchase a new key at the dealership. It will cost more, but it is also a safer choice because the dealer has access to specialized equipment that can help keep your car from being stolen. The dealership will have a copy your vehicle's ID number, which is useful if you need to make an official police report in the event of theft. In certain instances you may need to bring your new key to the dealership to have it programmed to your vehicle. It is usually a simple procedure, however it may depend on the particular model of your vehicle. Bring your keys and an ID photo that is valid, as well as a copy of your registration or title of your vehicle, so that the technician can confirm the ownership of your vehicle. Key Damage If you have an electronic key that locks your car doors and opens it, a damaged or defective key fob can cause problems. In these cases you'll need to replace the key to ensure that the key fob can perform its function. Smart keys can break and have a limited lifespan. Many people have an additional car key. Most of the time when a key fob doesn't functioning, it's because its battery has died. You can try replacing the battery, but if that isn't working, you might need to replace the entire key fob instead. In this instance, it is best to bring the key fob to a dealership. They'll have all the necessary equipment to create an entirely new key fob and also reprogram your car. Keys naturally wear down when used however, they can be damaged in a variety of ways. Inaccidents such as dropping your key on hard surfaces or getting it caught in the door can result in dents and cracks. These damages can make your key difficult to use or even impossible. A locksmith can fix the issue quickly and effectively however, you should use an experienced locksmith. It's not recommended to try to repair damaged keys on your own. This can result in more damage to your vehicle or home. Place your key in a safe place when not in use to avoid this problem. This will reduce the chance of it being stolen or lost and also help protect your key from being damaged by outside elements. You should also consider investing in a protective case for your key to further protect it from accidents or weather. This can help to prevent your key from becoming worn down or being completely damaged. Keys that are lost There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. You're feeling like you've lost your most precious personal item, regardless of whether they were dropped in the supermarket by a child, left on the kitchen table while you ate lunch or fell out of your pocket when you were walking the dog. If your keys are the only means to get you where you need to go it can turn into an actual crisis. Take a deep breath before you panic, and try these tricks. Make sure you check where you normally place your keys, or at the very least the last time you had them. Check first for places where they may have “drifted” or gotten lost under something. Next, move to the next location. You may be surprised to find them in a spot you never expected. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle as well as its key number. You will need this information later in order to contact your dealer or locksmith. You can find your VIN on the driver's side of the door or stamped on a steel plate on the dashboard. You can also locate it in the owner's guide. If you have an extra key, go for that one. One of the best ways to ensure you don't lose your car keys is to have an extra. It could be hidden in a safe place at home, or you might have entrusted it to someone in your family or roommate. You can also contact the police in your area to find out whether they've handed over keys. It's not good to ask around at your workplace or school, too. You never know who might have found your keys, and be prepared to return them.