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Lost My Car Keys, What Should I Do to Get A Replacement?
locksmithMAN • Aug 22, 2018

Before anything is able to be done about getting a replacement key, first it must be established precisely what type of key is required. This process is going to assist you in deciding the type of key you have to have:

Get the VIN

Firstly, obtain the VIN number from the engine bay or dashboard of the vehicle that requires a replacement key made. In addition, record the precise model, make, and year of the car. If the VIN is difficult to locate, check the vehicle’s insurance or title paperwork out to figure it out.

If the Vehicle Is Old, Call a Locksmith

Older vehicles, especially the ones designed by non-luxury manufacturers, have the most convenient keys to replace. In some cases, calling the local car locksmith may solve the entire problem. It’ll work for a variety of vehicles, and a locksmith may wind up saving you a ton of money, as compared with a dealership.

If a Modern Vehicle, See If a Locksmith Is Able to Replace It

If your key is more modern, its shape might be too complicated for an area locksmith or the key might have to be programmed to work with a specific car. So long as the programming is digital; not a code laser-etched onto a key, an excellent car locksmith should have the ability to take care of it. Because there’s so much variety among keys, this measure may be easy for some and tricky for others.

Have a Car Dealer Program Your Key if There Aren’t Any Other Options

If your key does have to be programmed, see if a locksmith may program it to work with your vehicle. If they can’t, the next step includes having the locksmith make the key, then have a car dealership program it. The module which has to be programmed may be expensive through the car dealership; therefore, check around on the internet for a more affordable option.

If Your Key Is Complex, Have a Car Dealer Replace It

If none of the options above are viable, it’s likely that the key is more complex for security reasons. The replacement only may be available through a manufacturer and ordering a key might take one or two weeks. If that’s the case, visit the dealership in which the vehicle was purchased and check if either the warranty is going to cover the cost, or if the car dealership will offer a discount to satisfy the customer.

Consider Reliability vs. Price

These days, most vehicles use completely electric keys, and these oftentimes barely resemble a real key. If one of them breaks, and its batteries aren’t dead, ordering a new key is required. Occasionally they’re more affordable to buy online yet going through a car dealership is a more secure option. Some are possible to program yourself, at home. Other ones have to be programmed by an expert.

For more information on getting a replacement for your keys contact the automotive locksmith professional services of LocksmithMAN today!

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