The loss of a car key due to misplacement or damage can be quite stressful; more so if you do not have a spare. It is therefore imperative that you have a spare key(s) so as to avoid the stress that comes with losing the key to your vehicle.

The police department in Vancouver reports that crime has been on an increase since 2016. Although the department has intensified efforts to prevent crime, individuals are also advised to be more cautious and contribute their quota to crime reduction or prevention. One area where residents are advised to be more cautious is with their vehicles. You can click here for tips from the Vancouver police department on how to safeguard your car.

The above being said, there are times when the inevitable happens and you need to replace your vehicle passkey. It is therefore important that you know how to safely get a replacement. Thanks to modern technology, this process is no longer as simple as it used to be in years past; it now involves complex technology like keyless entry systems and transponders that require specialized equipment and skills.

This article therefore explores the intricacies of the process and present information that will serve as a guide to helping you get reliable, safe and efficient service for the replacement of your car key in Vancouver.

Tips for Getting Safe Car Key Replacement in Vancouver

There are many factors that will determine you get a safe and reliable service for the replacement of this all important accessory from your vehicle. It is not something you just get anyone to do for you. You need to do your due diligence and the tips shared below will help get you started on the right path:-

Understand Your Car Passkey System

Before you go looking to get a replacement for this important element of your vehicle, you need to understand the type your car uses. There are different types of keys based on the make of the car, the year and the model and they all have different levels of complexity.

Find below some of the most popularly used or common ones:-

1. Traditional Metal Keys- These are mostly for older cars and they don’t have any in-built electronic features. They are usually straightforward and easy to replace.
2. Transponder Keys – A good number of cars manufactured late 1990s come with this type of keys and they contain chips inside the plastic heads. These chips are what communicate with the immobilizer system of the vehicle and the car will not start without it. This type requires programming in order to work with the car.
3. Keyless Entry Fob – This is a remote system that allows the car owner to start, unlock and lock the vehicle without putting the key in the ignition. These also need to be programed to work accurately with the car.
4. Smart Keys- These are passkeys that just needs to be inside the car to start the vehicle. They are more complicated and require complex equipment and advanced skills to replace.

Choose a Reputable Locksmith or Dealer

When it comes to replacing the passkey to your vehicle, it is very important that you choose a reputable company to handle the job. Getting a reputable service for your car key replacement in Vancouver determines whether the process will be safe and properly carried out. Bear in mind that this accessory grants access to your vehicle so you don’t want a company that will make copies of your key in order to gain access to it illegitimately.

The following therefore are options to explore:-

Authorized Dealerships

This is the recommended option for people with more complex lock systems such as options 2 to 4 discussed above. These dealerships have access to the database of the manufacturers of the car and can get the exact copy of the key. Although this is usually a more expensive option that sometimes takes longer, the money spent and wait-period is usually worth it.

Certified Automotive Locksmiths

These are trained professionals who are certified to replicate and work on all types of key systems for cars. This option is usually faster and more affordable than authorized dealerships. Many of these professionals in Vancouver provide mobile services; this entails their going to meet their customers wherever they are to attend to them.

Make sure that the locksmith you want to hire is duly certified and insured and has a good reputation. You can vet their certification by visiting the website of bodies such as British Columbia Association of Professional Locksmiths (BCAPL). In addition, ensure you read reviews and testimonials from past customers.

Beware of Scams

It is no secret that there are frauds in every profession and people are always looking for ways to make a quick buck from unsuspecting customers. Find below some red flags to look out for when shopping for a car key replacement service:-

1. Prices that are suspiciously low
2. Locksmiths that operate or show up in unmarked vehicles
3. Locksmiths that do not have verifiable credentials such as insurance papers, license certificates and ID for staff.
4. No physical address
5. A dodgy online presence
6. Inconsistent communication

Make sure you ask for a clear estimate of the total cost of the service. Do not settle for any vague pricing because you might get an unpleasant surprise at the end of the process. Visit this site: https://www.bbb.org/ for tips on how to avoid paying hidden charges or fees.

Conclusion

Getting safe replacement for your car key in Vancouver is not rocket science; however, you need to pay attention and devote a little time and effort to research and some comparison shopping. We have shared some basic information that will help you know what actually to look out for as you research.

No matter the option you choose; dealership or locksmith, ensure that your top priority is the level of professionalism and experience of the service provider and also the safety of the process. Make sure you do not ignore any red flag so that you will not fall into the wrong hands.