Keep an Extra Car Key With You in Case You Lose Yours

It's a good idea to have an extra key for your vehicle. Storing it in a secure location will help you avoid needing to call assistance from the road or a locksmith when you lose your car keys.

A basic mechanical key may be replaced at the hardware store by a locksmith or dealership. A transponder or smart key, however, will need to be connected to your vehicle's immobilizer by the dealership.

Cost

Losing your car keys isn't an enjoyable experience, however there are ways to reduce the costs. Find an auto locksmith who specializes in your car. This is the most affordable solution. They'll have all the equipment needed to replace your key, and can also provide other services like repair and installation of locks. Assistance with roadside emergencies or obtaining a replacement key from your auto insurance provider are also affordable alternatives. These options are subject to certain limitations and conditions.

The cost of a replacement car key is dependent on the type of key and the location it is lost or stolen. If you own a standard car key, your only cost is the cost of the new key fob. If you own transponder keys or a smart key the price will be more expensive. Smart keys are proximity sensors that open doors and begin your car with the push of a button. They are more expensive than traditional keys because they must be programmed to work with your car.

To get a replacement key, you'll require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or enter it into a free VIN search tool on the internet. The VIN is a 17-digit code that is used to identify your vehicle's model and make. If you don't have an VIN but you are able to identify your vehicle by with other information, such as the engine's type or year it was built.

You could also search for a spare that is not manufactured by the same company that produced your original key. This is 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 is only available for cars with an unlocked trunk. It won't permit you to use the power door lock or alarm system.

If you lose your car keys, it's essential to keep the spare in a safe place. Having a spare can save you from the hassle and cost of calling a dealership for your car particularly if your local locksmith does not have the necessary programming tools for your particular vehicle.

Security

It wasn't so long ago that losing your car keys or losing them was not a big problem. You could easily replace them at a dealer or a locksmith. However, as automobiles have advanced in technology and so have keys, and replacing them is becoming more complicated.

The first thing to determine is what kind of key you have. You can find this information by looking up the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle. The code is 17 digits long and contains both numbers and letters. The letters I, O, and Q are not included. You can also find it on the back of the registration or title card of your vehicle. This number is unique to your vehicle and you'll need it if you want to have the new key reprogrammed with the car keys replacements.

Transponder keys are found in the majority of automobiles. They look similar to traditional keys, however they contain a chip in the handle that connects to the car's computer system. This feature helps reduce theft by making it difficult to start your vehicle without the use of a key. This type of key is more complex and is more difficult to duplicate so you will need to find a professional locksmith that has the right tools.

You can also use a Faraday box or bag for your key fobs. These devices isolate the frequency of the key from external sources, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate the key. You can purchase one of these at a local hardware store or online for around $20. This method isn't foolproof.

You'll need to take your smart key to a dealer or manufacturer to replace it. They have proximity sensors that allow you to unlock your car and begin it by simply pressing a button. These keys are more expensive to replace since they require special tools and knowledge.

A professional locksmith will be able create a replacement for you, but they may have to erase the current programming from the car's computer system to accomplish this. This can be done by following the steps in the owner's manual.

Time

You can keep spare keys in your car in case you lose the original. However, the time it takes to get them can vary dependent on the vehicle model and key type. The process of making a regular key is simple and affordable. You can also get it at your local hardware store. However, if you need to replace a key fob, or a transponder chip replaced, the process might take longer.