by Bruce Simmons.Car keys are expensive to replace these days.
Smart Keys
The codes for "smart chip" chip keys embedded on your ignition keys can only be kept by the car's maker, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
To make things easier in the event you may need to get a locksmith to make copies of one of these types of keys is to keep your identification code number (it came with the keys when you took delivery of the car) in your wallet or purse.
If you don't retain the # someplace safe, the process to duplicate keys could take days and be expensive to have a dealer order copies. Even if you are able to get a AAA respondent to get you in your car, the locksmith might not be able to copy the ignition key.
Alternative Key Idea
If you have a key that has external teeth, you can skip the whole locksmith / roadside assistance thing by using one of those credit-card type keys made of plastic and cut to match the original key that you can keep in your wallet just in case you lock yourself out. AAA clubs in many states provide credit-card plastic keys as a courtesy or at a nominal fee to members.
Or pre-order a key now, before anything happens and keep it in a safe place.
An Idea I Use:
I don't advocate this for anyone, but I do use a magnetic key holder with a spare key in it for my vehicle, and it's in a place that only I can reach, if I lay in the right spot and reach in the right way towards it's hidden niche. Yes, I get dirty. But I consider it my price for being silly and losing the key to begin with. (For the record, 5 times in the last 11 years, it came in real handy and saved my butt!!)
The magnetic holder is pretty impressive because it stays in it's place, no matter how high in the air I get my vehicle while off-roading. I jar my teeth, my possessions in the vehicle, but it holds tight. I don't know who made it, but it's impressive.
Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons
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