How to Replace a Car Key without Having the Original
Cars have become a necessity and being without one is quite stressful. One cannot think about functioning without a car. Have you ever had a mini heart attack when you have lost your keys or broke them without having a spare? If you have experienced this stressful situation then there is some good news for you! Now it is possible to get a copy of your key made without the original.
The Type of Key You Need
There are three different kinds of keys that you may need depending on the car model you have. Older models dating 1981 and earlier would require a simple key cut from a standard key block. Cars that are manufactured later and are newer, require transponder keys. These keys have special programming and need to be reprogrammed for your car to start. The third kind of keys; Smart keys are remote control keys that do not function the same way traditional keys.
What to Do?
In case you have lost or broken your key, you have two options for getting a replacement key. One way is to contact the original dealership. However, this can be an expensive option as you may need to bear the expenses of getting your car towed to the dealership’s location. Another option is to contact an experienced locksmith, this locksmith will be able to make a replacement key even without the original.
Information needed by the Locksmith
When you contact an experienced locksmith, he will ask for some important information regarding the vehicle. Here is a checklist of the documents and information that you would need to provide to him:
- Make, Model, and Year of Car
- Registration or Title of the car which will be proof of ownership of the car
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number); this is found on the driver’s side door post or dashboard
- Key Identification Number; found in the car’s manual (you may or may not require this information, but it is always a good idea to have it in handy)
In case your car keys have been stolen, the locksmith will have to reprogram the keys so that the old ones become obsolete and useless.
Key Takeaways
When facing an emergency situation of not having a spare key, the first thing you need to do is to not panic and then decide on your course of action. You have both options; dealership and locksmith available to you. In case you choose the locksmith and you need the locksmith to get to you, be sure to provide an accurate location, so the locksmith can reach you without any delay. So, the next time you lose a key or break it, you can take a sigh of relief because now you can get a replacement key in no time!