Keep an Extra Car Key With You in Case You Lose Yours A spare car key is an excellent idea. Place it in a secure location to avoid having to call locksmiths or assistance on the road when you lose keys. A basic mechanical key is able to be replaced by a hardware store or a locksmith the dealership. A transponder or smart key, however, will need to be paired with your vehicle's immobilizer at the dealership. Cost Losing your car keys isn't an enjoyable experience, but there are ways to cut down the expense. Find an auto locksmith who specializes in your car. This is the cheapest option. They'll have the equipment needed to replace your key, and can also provide other services, such as repair and installation of locks. Other alternatives that are less expensive include roadside assistance and getting an alternative from your vehicle insurance provider. These options may have certain limitations and conditions, but. The cost of a replacement key for your car depends on the type of key you have and the location in which it was stolen or lost. If you own a standard car key, the only cost you will incur is the cost of a new key fob. The cost will be more if you have an transponder or a smart key. Smart keys are proximity sensor-based key that allows you to unlock your doors and start your car with the push of one button. These keys are more costly than traditional keys, as they require programming to work with your car. You will require your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to obtain an additional key. This number can be found on the documentation for your vehicle, or through a free VIN search tool online. The VIN is a 17-digit code that indicates the make and model of your vehicle. If you don't have a VIN but you are able to find your vehicle with other information, such as the engine type or the year it was made. https://www.openlearning.com/u/levinpike-sjrhnq/blog/13ThingsYouShouldKnowAboutCostOfReplacementCarKeyThatYouMightNotHaveKnown can also look for a spare that is not made by the same company that made the original key. This will be an extended and time-consuming process. It may be possible to purchase an unbranded key on the web for less than you would pay for a real one from your car dealer. This option is only for cars that have an unlocked trunk. It won't allow you to use the power door lock or alarm system. It is crucial to have an extra car key in the event that you lose yours. A spare key will save you the trouble and expense of contacting an auto dealer, particularly in the event that the local locksmith does not have the necessary programming tools for your vehicle. Security It wasn't so long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or losing them was not a huge deal. You could easily replace them at a dealership or locksmith. But, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and replacing them has become more difficult. The first thing to do is figure out what kind of key you have. You can find the information you need by looking at the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle. It is a 17-digit number that contains numbers and letters with the exception of letters I, O and Q. It is also available on the back of the registration or title card of your vehicle. This number is unique to the car. It is required to reprogram the new key to work with your car. Many cars are now equipped with transponder keys that look like traditional keys, but they have an embedded chip that communicates with the car's system. This feature helps prevent theft by making it impossible to start the vehicle without a valid key. This type of key is more difficult and difficult to duplicate, so you will need to find a professional locksmith with the appropriate equipment. You can also utilize a Faraday box or bag for your key fobs. These devices block the frequency of the key from outside sources, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate them. These devices can be purchased at your local hardware store for about $20 or via the internet. Remember that this method isn't completely foolproof. If you have smart keys, you'll need to visit a dealer or car manufacturer to have it replaced. They come with proximity sensors that let you unlock your car and begin it with a push of a button. These keys are more expensive to replace because they require specialized tools and expertise. A professional locksmith can provide a replacement, but they may have erase the current programming from the car's system in order to do this. This can be done by following the steps in your owner's manual. Time You can keep spare keys in your vehicle in case you lose your original. The time required to acquire them can differ depending on the type of car and the type of key you have. If you require a standard key it is simple and affordable. You can also get it at your local hardware store. If you require a transponder or key fob replaced, it may take longer. You can go to a locksmith to get a costlier solution, or get one from a dealer. Both options can provide an effective replacement for your lost key, but the dealer is more familiar with programming the new key to work with your vehicle. The dealership will also have access to your vehicle's security system which could help in preventing theft. A locksmith can also program a key that you buy online. This is a risky decision as you might get the wrong key that isn't suitable for your vehicle. The key must also be programmed using your VIN number. You can find this information on the title or registration of your vehicle. If you're in a hurry and you need to replace your car key, you can ask for a roadside assistance service or look for a nearby automotive locksmith. Selecting the right service provider will help you save money and time in the long run. Contact your car insurance provider to inquire about discounts on this service. This coverage does not cover all costs associated with repairs to your vehicle. It is important to check the terms and conditions of your service provider to find out more. It is best to purchase a replacement car key before you lose it, as this will cut down on the cost and problems of replacing it. It will also help you save a lot of time. Safety Many people find that car keys are an issue. They can get lost or bent until they are no longer functional. It is important to maintain your key fob regularly. You can then be sure that it will work as intended whenever you need it to. It is also recommended to carry an extra key with you to give you the option of getting back on the road if your key fob fails. There are a variety of ways to get a new replacement car key depending on the type you have. You can get an old-fashioned key cylinder key from a locksmith in your area, for example. They are less expensive and look like the old keys you have. They don't come with an electronic chip they aren't able to unlock your vehicle or start the engine. You can also go to your dealer to get an alternative key. They have the tools to repair the cut key and program it to activate your car's security systems. In some cases your car may not be able to respond to a new key because of an inoperative transponder chip. This is a problem that occurs with older cars when the key fob has been damaged by water or other harsh conditions. To fix this issue it is possible to visit a reputable locksmith to replace the chip. A reputable auto locksmith will be able identify the code on your vehicle and replace the chip without having to take apart the lock. You could also replace the component yourself if you are familiar with the tools and have the correct ones. This is risky, so it's best to trust professionals. If you're tech-savvy you can take a look at some online tutorials to learn how to complete the task yourself. This is a great alternative to contacting a specialised locksmith or dealership, and it can save you money in the end.