How to get spare keys easily in India?

Cars in India today come with a keyless entry and operation as a basic feature in the most basic models. In case you lose your keys, you may not be able to access your car. Contrary to general belief, car key replacement is not a very complicated process.

Steps to follow if you lose your car keys

There are a few important steps for you to follow if you have lost your car keys:

1. Check your car insurance to see if it covers key replacement. This is usually an add-on cover which you need to purchase and is available only with a comprehensive car insurance policy.

2. In case you are stranded somewhere away from your home, check your insurance policy to see if you have breakdown cover or roadside assistance as part of your policy. These include free on-road assistance and towing within certain distances.

3. Contact your car manufacturer's authorised service centre as you need a proper key if you require to go for replacement of the key. It is advisable to stick to the authorised service centres as you would be looking for a key that is compatible with all the features of your car.

4. In case you are in a remote area and are not able to gain access to your brand-authorised workshop or dealership, then you may get the work done by a local locksmith who has knowledge and experience in car keys. The new car key provided may be programmed subsequently.

Process to get a replacement car key

There is a certain process to adhere to which makes the process of getting your replacement car key smooth for yourself. Please follow this process:

1. Check and ensure that you have lost your keys. Double-check by retracing your steps and physically checking for them. You will be surprised at the places from where you may suddenly find your keys. It is not worth going through the process, of getting stressed and wasting money before you are sure that you have lost or misplaced your keys.

2. Collate all the information required for applying for your new keys. Specific information is required to get an exact match for your car. Check your registration certificate for data on your make, model and year your car was manufactured. You will also need the Vehicle Identification Number which you may access from the area where the driver’s side door connects to the body of the car.

3. Contact the car dealership or authorised service centre with all the details.

4. Proof of identity and ownership of the car is required as a security measure.

5. Choose the key you want as a replacement. You may choose to get a standard key or a transponder key, where the former is a new key provided based on the details of ownership you have provided. The latter needs to be programmed.

Conclusion

Although it is an inconvenience, the process of getting your replacement key is not that complicated. You need to follow the steps and processes to get your keys smoothly. Buying an add-on cover for key replacement in your car insurance policy will ensure that you do not have to bear the entire burden of the costs involved.