Nowadays, most modern cars come with a key fob that enables the driver to get into the car without having to put a key in the lock. Some key fobs even enable control of the ignition. But, when the key fob is lost or stolen, it can be seriously inconvenient, and many car owners mistakenly believe that only a car dealership can help them replace it.
If your car key fob is lost, damaged or faulty, you can keep the following tips in mind to help you save money and get back inside your car as quickly as possible:
Firstly, read the user manual – you’ll find that some manufacturers will give you a series of steps to follow to reset a key fob that isn’t working; try these before doing anything else.
Secondly, reach out to a local automotive locksmith – if you still can’t reprogram your car key fob with help from the manufacturer, or your car key fob has been stolen or damaged beyond repair, you can contact a local auto locksmith to help you.
Many people aren’t aware that instead of going to a local car dealership to have the car key fob fixed or replaced, they can go to their local auto locksmith, and this is often a quicker, cheaper and far more convenient option. They will firstly check and replace the batteries if necessary, and check the button alignment too, so that they’re certain of the real cause of the problem before they go any further.
Your local auto locksmith may be able to fix the car key fob and save you the cost of having to replace it altogether.
Thirdly, check the warranty or insurance policy – in some instances, replacing or repairing the car key fob is covered by its warranty or your auto insurance policy, and it’s always worth checking for this before you pay out for a new one or have it repaired.
Check that your local automotive locksmith is a reputable one
Scammers and thieves exist in all walks of life, and the locksmith trade is no different. To check that your locksmith has a good reputation and all the required skills to carry out the work to a high standard, ask whether they are licensed, qualified and experienced, and ask for evidence of all three. If they have a website, quickly check customer reviews to make sure that you’re dealing with a genuine locksmith, and not some phony person out to make a quick buck.
Fortunately, with the help of an automotive locksmith, you can quickly and affordably get a replacement car key fob, or have it repaired to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
