All The Information You Need To Know About How To Get Replacement Car Keys, Key Fobs, Remotes, Transponder & Keyless Entry.
Below you will find the short answer. However, if you would like to get a more detailed explanation, pros, cons, tips and more please visit our blog post about how to get a replacement key.
Many people who lost the only key for their car and have no spare are faced with a few options about how to get a new car key made. The question is relevant for all types of car keys, including chip car keys and remotes.
We will explain how to replace your lost key or remotes and how to determine which type of key you had so you can let the automotive locksmith know.
First, here is a brief explanation of how to replace your lost car key and the options you have:
1. Call an automotive locksmith who deals with replacement car keys.
An automotive locksmith can make most car keys on-site, including chip keys or remotes. Most automotive locksmiths offer a mobile service since most car keys after 2000 need to be programmed into the car. That means that the car has to be present.
In addition, please make sure that the locksmith carries the necessary equipment to make a replacement key and the blank.
2. Order the key online
Today, you can get most car keys online, and relatively fast, within 24 Hr. Getting a replacement key online has its pros and cons. This option is mostly relevant for those who are in need of a duplicate key and can drive the car.
Consider things like time, convenience, the need to cut and program the key and more.
3. Replace your car key at the dealer –
A dealer is a good option if you are having the time and in no rush. Most chances it would be a bit more expensive than the locksmith, but you can be sure that you get a new key once you tow the car there.
Whether you need a car key replacement, bought a new car, and need to make a new key without the original, or want to make a spare key, here you will find all the information about what to do and how to replace your lost or stolen car and ignition keys.
In addition, you will find here useful information about common ignition problems such as the keys that won’t turn in the ignition, stuck keys in the ignition, or even what to do if you accidentally break your car key in the ignition or door cylinder.
There are many different car keys today from different makes and models. Some are regular metal keys, some car keys are called transponder or chip keys, or key fobs that need to be programmed into the car’s computer to be replaced, and some are high-security car keys such as Mercedes or BMW keys.
Therefore, the method of making a new key is different for each car.
Learn more about how to get a new replacement key.
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Calling an automotive locksmith or a dealer near your location when you need a key replacement is probably the most common thing to do. Based on your location, an automotive locksmith can come to you, or you may choose to tow the car to the dealer.
We outline a few points to remember, to help you save some time and money regardless of which option you choose:
1 .First, always ask for a quote. Describe the problem in detail and give the automotive locksmith all the details, even if you think they may not be relevant.
2. Moreover, if the locksmith has all the details, it can speed up the process and make it more cost-effective. Remember to give them your exact location to prevent a long waiting period. It may also affect the price.
3. In addition, tell the locksmith/dealer if the ignition was changed before, as far as you know. A previous ignition change may result in different keys for the ignition and doors.
4. Most models today are equipped with chips or transponders, so make sure you mention the exact year, make and model and ask the locksmith if they have the necessary tools in their truck to code the key. Not all locksmiths have a key coding machine to program those keys.
5. In addition, it’s important to have the (!!!!)VIN number available as the locksmith may need it.
6. Finally, remember that for most makes & models, there is no need to tow the car to the dealer should you lose your car keys. You can try and call the AAA, or an automotive locksmith who should be able to make you a new car key on site.
Need some general tips before you call a locksmith near you? Check our blog post:
1 .First, make sure the locksmith is aware of the year, make & models of the car. Some locksmiths can make old car keys, but new ones, including transponder chip keys & remote key fobs, require additional equipment.
2.In addition, ask the locksmith if he or she is licensed bonded & insured.
3. Explain your problem clearly. Lost car keys or lost ignition keys are something different from ignition problems or replacements.
4. In case the key doesn’t turn in the ignition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new replacement key. Sometimes its easier to replace the ignition instead.
5. In addition, verify the automotive locksmith actually serve your area to prevent a long waiting period.
6. If you are locked out of the car and lost your car keys, mention it to the locksmith, so they will know this is an emergency situation.
7. Ask if the locksmiths are part of AAA (in case you are). Not all locksmiths work with AAA and even though you can sometimes get your money back if you lost your car keys, it is not certain. However, it is good to try.
8. Try to see if your insurance policy covers replacement car keys.
9. Finally, In case you lost your car keys AND the ignition was changed before, let the automotive locksmith know about that, sometimes it may prevent them from making the key. In addition, it may result in a higher cost.
A: A good rule of thumb is that a key with a plastic cover at the top and/or was made after 1999 most likely had a chip in it.
Furthermore, some car manufacturers, such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and others, introduced this technology even before 1999.
Therefore, if you lose your car key and the key has a chip in it, it will have to be programmed on-site to start the car.
An automotive locksmith can do that on-site. Alternatively, you can contact the dealer, but the car must be towed there.
Below an example of the different types of car keys:
Fob remote “push to start” car key: Usually looks like some sort of remote. This fob car key has a chip and therefore will need to be programmed. Here are some examples of different car manufacturers:
Transponder chip car key: Usually has a black cover on the top of the key. This is where the chip is located and therefore this key will have to be programmed. Here are a few examples:
Non-chip: Usually a simple blank metal key and hence will not have to be programmed. Here are a few examples:
Please note that some keys, even though they have a black cover at the top, are non-transponder keys. The final determination of the key type should be done by the car’s VIN.
Absolutely. replacing car keys without the original is possible and, depends on the type of key you had, the year, make and model of your car, there are a few ways to do it.
Let’s start from the beginning. All car keys, except high-end cars, such as BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes, etc can be replaced by an automotive locksmith or the dealer (Some of the high-end car keys can also be replaced but only for models older than 2017 or so). In addition, you have the option to order your key online and have a locksmith or dealer code it for you.
However, if you don’t want to deal with ordering the key, you can simply call a locksmith or tow your car to the dealer.
For more information about the options you have to replace your key without the original – ????
Below you will find the short answer. However, if you would like to get GREAT tips on how to save money and a more detailed explanation please see our blog post about car keys replacement cost here.
A: In short, to replace a car key usually cost between $60-$500 (not including high-end car keys). It depends on a few factors:
The type of key you had, make and model of the car, are maybe the most important factors.(chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key). The newer the car is, the better security features the key had and therefore you can expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key.
In addition, It depends where you get a key replacement. The dealer, automotive locksmith or get it online. Click here to get a more detailed explanation.
The dealer usually charges about 10%-15% less than a locksmith would for the key. However, most chances you will have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote and therefore the total price is usually higher.
Furthermore, consider that if you are looking to have a locksmith to come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may go up.
Finally, In case your ignition cylinder was changed before(usually with older cars), that probably means that the code for the key may not be useful and the key will have to be either cut manually by a locksmith or to change the ignition again which in this case the dealer can’t be of help.
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