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Keep an Extra Car Key With You in Case You Lose Yours It is a smart idea to have a spare key for your vehicle. Keep it in a secure location to avoid having to call locksmiths or assistance on the road when you lose your keys. A mechanical key can be replaced at a hardware store by a locksmith or a dealership. A smart or transponder key however, will have to be paired with your vehicle's immobilizer at the dealership. Cost There are a variety of ways to cut down on expenses if you lose your car keys. The cheapest solution is to find an auto locksmith that specializes in the area of your vehicle. They'll usually have the tools needed to replace your keys, and they may also offer other services like repair and installation of locks. Other alternatives that are less expensive include roadside assistance and getting an exchange from your car insurance company. These options are subject to a set of limitations and conditions. The cost of a replacement key for your car is dependent on the type of key used and the location in which it was stolen or lost. If you have a standard car key your only expense is the cost of the new key fob. The cost will be more if you have a transponder or smart key. Smart keys are proximity sensors that open doors and begin your vehicle with the press of a single button. These keys are more costly than traditional keys, as they must be programmed to work with your car. You will need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to obtain a new key. The VIN can be found on your vehicle's paperwork or enter it into a free VIN lookup tool online. The VIN is a 17-digit number that identifies your car's model and make. If you don't have an VIN however, you can find your vehicle using other information like the type of engine or year it was built. You could also search for a spare not made by the same company that made your original key. However, this will be an extremely difficult and time-consuming procedure. You might be able to purchase a generic key online for less than what you purchase from a car dealer. This is only available to cars that have 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 important to store the spare in a safe place. A spare key could save you the trouble and expense of contacting the dealer for your car, especially when the locksmith you are dealing with isn't equipped with the programming tools for your vehicle. Security Not long ago the loss or misplacement of your car keys wasn't as huge of a problem. You could go to a locksmith or dealership and get keys replaced without a lot of hassle. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology as have their keys and the process of replacing them has gotten more complicated. The first thing you need to determine is what kind of key you have. This information can be found by looking at your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number). This is a 17-digit code that includes numbers and letters, with the exception of letters I, O and Q. You can also find it on the back of the registration card of your car. This number is unique to your vehicle and you'll need it if you wish to have your new key reprogrammed with the car. The majority of cars are equipped with transponder keys which look similar to traditional keys but have an embedded chip that connects to the car's system. This feature helps prevent theft by making it impossible to start the car without a proper key. This type of key is more complicated and harder to duplicate, so you will need to find a professional locksmith with the appropriate tools. You can also use bags or boxes made by Faraday for your key fobs. These devices block the frequency of the key from external sources, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate the key. They can be bought at the local hardware store for about $20 or via the internet. This method isn't 100% reliable. If you have a smart key you'll need to go to a dealer or car manufacturer to replace it. They come with proximity sensors that allow you to unlock your car and begin it with a push of the button. They are also more expensive to replace, as they require special tools and expertise. A professional locksmith will be able provide a replacement however, they may need to erase the current programming from the car's computer system to do so. You can do this by following the directions in the owner's manual. Time is a major factor. You can keep spare keys in your vehicle in case you lose the original. However, the time it takes to get them can vary dependent on the vehicle model and key type. If you're looking to have a regular key made, the process is fairly quick and inexpensive. You can also make it at your local hardware shop. However, if you're looking to get a key fob or transponder chip replaced, the process may take longer. You can either go to locksmiths for a more expensive solution, or buy one from your dealer. Both options offer an effective replacement for the key you lost, but the dealer is more experienced in programming the new key to work with your vehicle. The dealership will also have access to your vehicle's security system which may help prevent theft. A locksmith can also program a blank key that you purchase online. This is a risky choice because you could end up with a wrong key that isn't suitable for your vehicle. The key must also be programmed using your VIN number. This information is available on the title or registration of your vehicle. If you have to replace the key to your car in a hurry and need to replace your car key, you can contact a roadside service or search for a locksmith in the automotive industry near you. A reliable service provider will save you time and money in the long term. Contact your car insurance provider for discounts on this service. But, it is important to note that this plan will not cover all repair costs. You must check with your provider's terms and conditions to find out more. You should purchase a new car key before losing yours. This will lower the cost and hassle of replacing it. It will also save you lots of time. Safety Many people discover keys to their car the source of their frustration. Sometimes they can be lost, and at other times, they can be damaged or bent until they no longer function properly. This is why it's crucial to take the time to conduct regular maintenance on your key fob. In this way, you can be sure that it functions correctly when you need it to. Keep key replacement car on you to ensure that you can continue driving even if your key fob is damaged. There are various methods to obtain a brand new replacement car key dependent on the type of key you have. You can buy an old-fashioned key for a cylinder from a locksmith in your area, for instance. These keys are usually cheaper and look just like your old car key. They don't come with an electronic chip, so they cannot unlock your car or start the engine. Another alternative is to visit the dealership to obtain a replacement key. They have the tools to restore the key's cuts and can program it so that it will activate your car's security systems. In certain situations, your car might not respond to a new key because of a malfunctioning transponder chip. This is a problem that is common in older vehicles when the key fob has been damaged by water or other harsh conditions. To resolve this issue, you can visit a reputable locksmith to replace the chip. A trustworthy auto locksmith will identify the code on your vehicle and replace the chip without having to disassemble the lock. Alternatively, you can try to do the replacement yourself, if you've got the right tools and know how to use them. This is risky, so it's better to leave this to professionals. You can also learn to do it yourself if you are a tech-savvy. This is a convenient alternative to contacting a professional locksmith or the dealership, and it could save you money in the long run.