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How to Get a Replacement Car Key Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience. It can also be costly depending on the type of key you've got. The easiest way to get an exchange is to contact an auto locksmith. This is usually a cheaper and quicker option than calling the roadside assistance line or a dealership. Cost In the past, losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could just visit your local hardware store to purchase an alternative key. Fortunately, today the process is more complex and expensive. The reason is because cars are becoming more technologically advanced, which means their keys are too. While this makes them more secure against theft however, it also makes them more expensive to replace. The cost of replacing the lost car key will differ based on the model, year and make of your vehicle. Many modern cars come with key fobs with transponder chips to help prevent theft. The chips must be linked to your vehicle. This usually requires a dealership or locksmith. The cost will vary depending on the type of car you own, but it can reach $200. Modern cars also come with keys that are laser-cut and must be programmed with a specific machine only found at dealerships and specialist auto locksmiths. The cost of the key for this kind of lock is up to $100. The location of your home will also affect the cost. If you live in a remote area there is a chance that you will need to pay an additional fee for service due to the fact that the locksmith or tow truck has to travel a distance to get there. A locksmith may also charge a fee for work performed on holidays, weekends, or after-hours. You can lower the cost of replacing the car key that was lost by keeping a spare key at home or in your wallet. It is also advisable to keep your vehicle's title or registration documents with you, since these will be needed to prove that you're the owner of the vehicle if you need to contact the dealership for an exchange key. You can also call your roadside service for assistance. They may be able provide you with a temporary replacement, depending on their terms and conditions. Time It can be a hassle to lose your car keys, however it's important not to panic. Make sure to look for your keys in easy locations, like your pocket or purse. You can then revisit your day to see where you might have put keys. This will help you remember if lost them, or if they are still in your vehicle. It could be time to replace your car keys if you can't find them. The majority of newer vehicles have a remote key fob that utilizes an unlock code to start the car. This type of key needs to be reprogrammed to work with your specific vehicle, and this is usually a job for an expert. Contact an auto locksmith and bring proof of ownership. Old-fashioned car keys made of metal are much more simple to replace than remote key fobs. They are completely mechanical and easy to duplicate. A locksmith near you can replace your key on the right on the spot. The locksmith can also duplicate your ignition cylinder but it's an additional cost. If you'd like to have backups of your old-fashioned car keys, you can go to an hardware store that specializes in automobiles and have them copied quickly and cheaply. If your car keys begin to appear worn-out it is recommended to replace them. The use of keys over time can wear down the teeth on the key and this could cause it to be difficult to align them properly. If the key starts to become stuck in the lock, it's also an indication that it's time to replace it. If you own a brand new car that is an expensive model, the key may need to be programmed by the dealership. This is a complicated task which can be costly and take a long amount of time to complete. You may be covered by your car warranty or insurance depending on the make of your vehicle. Availability Even if you're a seasoned driver it's still possible to lose your car keys. This can be a real issue particularly if it happens at the worst time such as when you're at the supermarket or a gas station and you want to return home. Fortunately, there are several ways to replace your lost key. You can locate a locksmith, contact roadside assistance, or even your insurance company. You'll first need to identify the kind of key you have. This is important because different cars use different types of keys. Some keys are old-fashioned and lock with the key cylinder. Some keys have chips that communicate with the vehicle to unlock doors and even start the car. Some of these keys are easily replaced by an auto-locksmith, while others may require you to visit a dealer to purchase one from the manufacturer. You must first read the instruction manual or call the dealer for instructions on how to program the key to your car. You'll need proof that you own the vehicle, and then wait several additional days for your dealer to request the replacement. This method may also require you to take the vehicle to a locksmith or another service provider to be programmed, so this isn't the best option for those working on tight schedules or have limited mobility. If you have a spare key, the process is much simpler. You can buy an online replacement key for your car for a reasonable price based on the model of your car. If your keys come with an electronic transponder or key fob, then you'll need to see a qualified expert in order to replace them and program them. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle it could mean arranging for an auto towing service or paying a locksmith to complete the task for you. Another way to get an updated car key is using a bluetooth tracker. These tiny devices are attached to your keyring and emit a signal which can be retrieved by a mobile phone with an application installed. The app will show you the whereabouts of your key so you can easily find it. Insurance In general insurance for cars doesn't cover keys that are lost. However, there are exceptions. Some of the top car insurance companies committed to customer satisfaction provide an additional insurance policy for things like lost keys. It's usually an additional cost, but could be less expensive than paying out on your own for key replacement costs. If your car insurance covers keys lost is contingent on the specific policy and the deductible. The majority of traditional metal keys can be replaced easily, but it may be more difficult if you own an electronic fob, or smart key. These keys are laser-cut and utilize chips that send signals to your vehicle. They are therefore more difficult to replace than mechanical keys. They are also more expensive, since you'll have to pay for a locksmith as well as the key itself. If you're looking to cut costs on a key replacement think about using an auto club or roadside assistance service. These companies may provide locksmiths with discounted rates, and may even cover the cost of the purchase of a new key. Some of these companies offer emergency lockout assistance, which is useful when you are in a hurry and have to leave the house. Another option is to call your car dealer to inquire whether they can assist you. Locksmiths are usually on staff at most dealerships, and could be able to create keys for you at a reasonable price. However when car key replacements needs to order a new key for your vehicle it could take a few days to receive. No matter which method you select, make sure to keep all receipts and documents so that you can make a claim with your insurance company for your car in the event of a claim. Losing keys to your car is a regular event. It's not easy however it could occur to anyone. There are ways to avoid expensive consequences. While the cheapest and fastest way to replace your lost keys to your car is to contact a local locksmith It is important to weigh the monetary advantages against the time and any possible deductible payment prior to making a claim to your insurance company.