This Week's Top Stories About Replacement Car Key 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 completely out of sight. But when they do, obtaining an alternative isn't as difficult or costly as it may seem.

You may be able to get a spare key that's made with your vehicle identification number (VIN) which is usually found on your title or registration certificate.

Lost Keys

It used to be that losing keys to your car was a major inconvenience. You could go to the dealership and pay a small amount of money and receive a new key. No longer, thanks to the latest technological advancements in car security and anti-theft technology. Today, the replacement of the lost car key could be more costly and time-consuming.

The kind of car key you are using is a major element in the price you be charged for an alternative. The older, basic metal "insert and turn" keys are not very popular in modern cars which is why they are cheaper 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.

Next, you will need to know the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is a unique vehicle identification number (VIN) that is found on the door jambs or windshield washer reservoir. You can also find it in the owner's manual, or on a sticker located on the dashboard of the driver.

Auto locksmiths can be helpful in the event of lost keys, and they are among the fastest and most affordable options for replacing car keys. You can also go to your local hardware store and ask a staff member whether they can make a duplicate of your key. They usually can do this for most types and makes of vehicles, as long as they have the right key blanks.

You can also call roadside assistance. They can help you with the replacement of a lost car key and will usually be able to provide the transponder replacement. Certain insurance companies offer car keys replacement as an option. However, the costs can be quite high, particularly when you lose keys that are linked with an electronic car fob. It is best to keep the spare car key in a safe place and keep it readily available at all times.

Stolen Keys

Report the loss of your key immediately if you are concerned about your car being stolen. This will ensure that the key will not be misused by unauthorised people, which could result in expensive damages to your vehicle. This could include damage to the ignition, scratches on the door and more. You could also file a police report, which may be useful in identifying the person who took your key.

One of the best ways to guard yourself against theft is to purchase a high-quality, car-specific key fob. car key replacements are not just more secure than standard keys however, they also include features like trunk release remote engine start, trunk release and proximity systems that let you lock and unlock your vehicle with just a tap on the fob. It's always recommended to keep an extra key fob home so that you are not left without your car should you lose your keys.

A key that's not a fob can still be replaced however it will require more work and time. The blank key must be cut, and the key programmed to connect with the security system of your vehicle. Locksmiths with the right tools and experience is able to do this, but it is typically more expensive than replacing a lost key fob.

A replacement key can be obtained at the dealership. This is more expensive however, it's an option that is safer because the dealer has access to the latest equipment that can keep your car from being stolen. The dealership will be able to duplicate of your vehicle's identification number, which could be beneficial if you need to submit an official police report in the event of theft.

In certain instances you may need to bring your new key to the dealership in order to get it programmed to your vehicle. It is usually a simple process, but can vary according to the model of your vehicle. Bring your key and a valid photo ID and an original copy of your vehicle's registration or title so that the technician knows you are the owner of the vehicle.

Key Damage

If you have an electronic key that locks your car doors and starts it, a damaged key fob can cause problems. In these instances you'll need replace the key fob for it to perform its job. 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 doesn't working, it's because its battery has died. If the battery doesn't work you may have to replace the key fob. In this instance, it is best to take the key fob into a dealership. They'll have the equipment required to create a new key fob and can also reprogram it for your vehicle.

Keys wear out over time with regular use, but they can be damaged by various factors. Accidents like dropping your key on hard surfaces or getting it stuck in the door can result in cracks and scratches. These damages could make it difficult or impossible to use your key in the future.

A locksmith can solve this problem quickly and easily but it's essential to use a qualified professional. Do not attempt to fix a broken or damaged key yourself. This can cause more damage to your home or vehicle.

One way to avoid this type of problem is to keep your key in a safe place when it's not in use. This will lower the risk of your key being lost or stolen, and also protect it from damage caused by elements. Consider purchasing a protective cover for your key. This will help to keep it safe from damage and weather. This will help prevent your key from wearing down or damaged completely.

Keys that are lost

There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. You feel like you have 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 while you ate your lunch or slipped out of your pocket while you were walking your dog. And when keys are your only means of getting to where you're going, it can be a real emergency.

But before you panic, take a deep breath and try these suggestions:


Find out where you usually keep your keys, or at the very least, where you kept them the last time. Sometimes, they "drift" to the side or are lost underneath something, so look in those places first. Then, move to the next area, and the next. You may be surprised to find them in a location you'd never imagined.

Note down your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) and the key number. You'll need this information in order to contact your locksmith or dealer. You can locate your VIN on the driver's side of the door or stamped on a steel plate that is on the dashboard. You can also locate it in the owner's manual.

If you have an extra key, go for that one. A spare key is one of the best options to avoid losing your car keys. You may have hidden it in an accessible place at home or handed it to a family member or roommate.

You can also contact the police station in your town to see if anyone has turned in a key. It's not good to ask for help at your work or school, too. You never know who might have found your keys and be prepared to return them to you.