Did you lose your car key? In this guide, discover how to get a new car key made without the original key.
Losing your keys is never fun. Unsurprisingly, car keys are one of the most commonly lost items, falling right behind television remotes. Overall, we spend 2.5 days per year searching for missing items.
As much as we do to make sure that we keep track of our keys, it’s inevitable that we’ll lose them at some point and need the services of a locksmith. If you’ve looked high and low for your miss car keys and still can’t find them, then you’re going to need to get a new car key made. But how does that work?
Read on to learn everything you need to know!
Do I Need an Original Key?
Most of the time, the car dealership will give you two keys when you purchase your car. Many car salesmen remind you to keep the second key handy because they’re so expensive to replace. That’s fine and good, except when you buy a used car with only one car key or you’ve already misplaced your second.
The good news is you don’t actually need your original key to get a duplicate key made. When the dealer told you it would be expensive to replace your key, they meant it would be expensive for them to replace your key. Sure, if you tow your car to the dealer and pay for up to an hour of dealership rate labor to get a new key, it’ll cost you a pretty penny.
Or, you can call and locksmith who will be able to replace your key for about half the cost of the dealership.
Have Your VIN Number Handy
If your car was manufactured after 1990, then the VIN number will be the key to getting a new key. Car keys are programmed with key codes, and the codes stay on file with the manufacturer based upon the vehicle’s VIN number. Once the locksmith has the key code for your car, they will be able to cut you a new key.
Don’t Forget Proof of Ownership
For obvious reasons, neither a locksmith nor a dealership will make you a duplicate key unless you can prove that you own the car. Otherwise, it’d be super easy for ne’er do wells to drive off in your car. You can prove ownership through your car insurance or even your car finance account.
If you think that your original keys were stolen, then it is important to let the locksmith know so that when they program your new key, your old key will no longer work.
Do You Need to Get a New Car Key Made?
If you’ve lost your car keys and have turned your world upside down looking for them, don’t panic! With the help of a locksmith, as well as your VIN number and proof of ownership, you’ll be back on the road in no time. While you’re at it, consider getting two duplicate keys so you don’t have to get a new car key made again in the future.
Looking for a locksmith in the Concord, California area? We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
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