Lost Car Keys Replacement

All You Need to Know about Car Keys, Programming and more

Locksmith Near Me? Get All The Information You Need Before You Call a Locksmith.

Looking for a locksmith near your location? Need a lock rekey, change or install? How about high security locks or restricted key way locking system?

There are many things to take into an account before you call a locksmith: Type of service you need (locksmith for car, home or business), type of lock you want(deadbolt, rim, mortise etc), your options and more.

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In this blog post we will go over all the important information you need to know before you make your decision.

Furthermore, we will show you great alternatives for specific services that may be a better solution for your specific situation.

Finally, great, actionable tips to save you time and money.

We will discuss 3 main locksmith services: Automotive, residential and commercial. You can choose the type of service you need in the menu below.

 

In this article:

Automotive locksmith common services near you

Estimated costs of automotive locksmith

Tips before you call locksmith for cars near your location

Residential locksmith common services near you

Estimated costs of Residential locksmith

Tips before you call locksmith for home near your location

Commercial locksmith common services near you

Estimated costs of commercial locksmith

Tips before you call locksmith for office or business near your location

General tips to save time of money – regardless of the type of locksmith service you need

 

Automotive locksmith common services:

Most locksmiths offer mobile, on-site service for a variety of services.

Here are the most common ones for your car:

Lost car keys replacement, coding new remote key fobs and chip keys, cutting ignition keys, ignition won’t turn or ignition repair, 24 Hr emergency car lockout service, adding new key fobs and chip keys, broken key extraction and more.

Remember to verify that they indeed offer the service you need when you call.

 

Now, let’s answer one of the most important question about locksmith for cars:

How much will it cost to have an automotive locksmith come out to my location?

In short, locksmith for cars can cost between $50 to $460, with an average of about $170.

The total price depends on a number of factors including: Type of service you need, your make and model, type of locking system and key (key fob, chip key, alarm, etc), time of day, your location and more.

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Below are more specific examples:

Lost Car key replacement: $120-$460

Emergency car lockout: $50-$120

Car key programming (chip or key fob): $50-$120

Cutting a new key: $10-$50

Ignition won’t turn: $150-$250

Ignition repair/replacement: $150-$250

Broken car key extraction: $80-$150

 

Tips to remember when you call a locksmith for cars near you:

Location and ETA

Ask about their current location and ETA, especially when you call for a car lockout service.

Most locksmiths travel up to 30 miles radius from their business location or store location.

In addition, there are many locksmith who don’t even have a store front. Their store is their work truck, which has all the necessary tools, keys and machines to do whatever service you may need.

Therefore, it’s critical you ask them for an ETA. If this is an emergency, mention that as well. Most locksmiths will give a priority to emergency calls over other calls.

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In case you need a key replacement:

Most car keys today are equipped with a chip that requires on-site coding. That’s include all key fobs and transponder keys.

Make sure the locksmith has the right tools to cut and program your key for you. Have the VIN number available as well. 

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Ignition problems: Ignition replacement or when the ignition key won’t turn/start:

Provide the year, make and model and mention if this is the first time it happens.

If this happened before, an ignition replacement might be necessary or at least to replace a few wafers. Make sure the locksmith has the specific ignition you need.

You can also try and get it online or at AutoZone, Wal-Mart etc.

For more information: https://lost-car-keys-replacement.com/ignition-key-wont-turn/

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If you bought a new key / key fob online, and need to have a key cut:

Every key and key fob , has a unique code which locksmiths and dealers use to know the exact cuts to match your ignition, door and trunk cylinders.

Obviously, this code is different from one car to another. This key code costs money, and before the locksmith or dealer cut you a new key fob, they must pay to get the code from the national database, which may cost them up to $100.

Make sure you write down this key code and keep it in a safe place. In case you lose your key fob again in the future, it will cost you less to get a replacement, and the process will be faster.

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Residential locksmith common services:

Most locksmiths offer mobile, on-site service for a variety of services.

Here are the most common ones for your home:

24 Hr. emergency home lockout, bedroom lockout, bathroom lockout service.

deadbolt and doorknob locks installed, rekey, change or repair.

High security locks, Keypad locks, Mailbox lock changed.

Safe installed and open, home surveillance camera system installation and more.

Remember to verify that they indeed offer the service you need when you call.

 

Now, let’s answer one of the most important question about locksmith for home:

How much will it cost to have a locksmith for home come out to my location?

In short, locksmith for home can cost between $70 to $500, with an average of about $220.

The total price depends on a number of factors including:

Type of service you need, type of lock you want or have, level of security, lock grade, time of day, your location and more.

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Below are more specific examples:

Lock replacement: $50 and up 

Deadbolt/Door knob rekey: $20-$35 per cylinder

Lock installation: $40-$120

Keypad locks installed: $180-$280

Emergency home/ bedroom/ bathroom lockout: $70-$150

Safe open: $150-$500

Mailbox locks changed/installed: $80-$130

Camera installation: $200-$300

High security locks installed: $200-$350

Most locksmiths will charge you per task, meaning a flat price for whatever service you need, and NOT hourly rate as most people believe. Therefore, we highly recommend being as precise as you can when you describe your need and ask for a quoted based on the service needed.

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Tips to remember when you call a locksmith for home near you:

 

Location and ETA

Ask about their current location and ETA, especially when you call for a home lockout service.

Most locksmiths travel up to 30 miles radius from their business location or store location.

In addition, there are many locksmith who don’t even have a store front. Their store is their work truck, which has all the necessary tools, keys and machines to do whatever service you may need.

Therefore, it’s critical you ask them for an ETA. If this is an emergency, mention that as well. Most locksmiths will give a priority to emergency calls over other calls.

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In case you need to replace your home locks:

Most locks, including doorknobs, deadbolts, keypad locks and even mailbox locks can be rekeyed and there is no need to replace the whole lock.

This can save you a lot of money in case you moved into a new home or just want to have a new key.

Remember, as long as the locks function well, most locks can be rekeyed.

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Lost your home lock key? it’s ok, your locks can still be rekeyed:

If you lost the keys to your locks, a professional locksmith for home can still make you a new key even if the original is lost. Losing your key doesn’t mean you have to replace your locks. 

This process, which professional locksmiths call “Blank rekey” is relatively easy, and as long as the existing locks work, the locksmith should only charge you a little bit more for this process, and still, much cheaper than replacing the locks.

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Concerned about your home security?

For better security and non duplicate keys ask about high security locks such as Medeco or Mul-T-Lock.

Remember that most home locks, including doorknobs, deadbolts, mailbox locks etc can have a high security cylinder.

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Consider buying a keyless lock to avoid a lockout situation:

If you are concerned about future lockout situation or losing your keys, you can ask about keypad locks

(which you can program up to 50 different users for most residential key pad locks) or dummy locks for inside the house (Rooms, bathrooms, etc).

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Interested in adding a new lock?

In case you need to have a new lock installed on a door, and there is no hole in the door, mention it to the locksmith when you call.

In addition, mention the type of door you want the new lock installed as it takes more time and requires special tools. (Metal door, wood, screen door, etc)

The process of drilling a new hole for a lock in the door, which we call “Fresh installation” can take up to 1 hour on a wood door and up to 2 hours on metal door.

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Need a new doorknob and deadbolt?

Consider buying Combo locks:

Combo locks are usually a set of deadbolt and door knob locks, which already have the same key.

This can help you save money instead of rekeying the locks. You can find combo locks of 1 deadbolt and 1 door knob or 2 doorknobs and 2 deadbolt. The most common brands you can find for combo locks are Defiant (which have the same key way as Kwikset), Schlage and Kwikset.

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Know which keyway your current lock has:

There are mainly 2 types of keyways for residential locks in the U.S.

The first, is Kwikset keyway which also have the same as Defiant, and the other is Schlage.

It is important to know yours, because a Schlage lock can’t have the same key as Kwikset and vise versa.

In addition, if you will want to rekey your locks to have one key to open all of them, you have to make sure they have the same keyway. Otherwise, it won’t work.

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Commercial locksmith common services:

Most locksmiths offer mobile, on-site service for a variety of services.

Here are the most common ones for your office or business:

24 hr. emergency office lockout service.

Locks rekey, install, change and repair.

Mortise & Rim locks installed.

Push buzzers for entrance doors.

Bluetooth locks installed.

Exit devices: panic bars, push bars, crash bars installed.

Master rekey systems for key control.

push button / keypad locks,

Access control systems, and more.

Safes installed, opened.

High security locks systems/ Non duplicate keys/ restricted key systems.

surveillance camera system installation.

Cabinet and drawer locks install and rekey.

Door closers installation.

and more.

Remember to verify that they indeed offer the service you need when you call.

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Now, let’s answer one of the most important question about locksmith for business:

How much will it cost to have a locksmith for office/business come out to my location?

In short, locksmith for business can cost between $100 to $600, with an average of about $300.

The total price depends on a number of factors including:

Type of service you need (Emergency office lockout service, locks rekey, lock install, fresh installation etc), type of exit device or push bar (Detex, Kaba etc) , type of lock you want (Rim, mortise etc), Lock grade and security (Medeco, Schlage etc) time of day, your location, and more.

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Below are more specific examples:

Emergency office lockout: $75-$200

Door knob, deadbolt Lock installation: $40-$120

Keypad locks installed: $200-$300

Mortise / rim locks installed: $80-$150

Push buzzer installed for entrance doors: $400-$700

Exit devices / push bars: $800-$1500

High security locks (Medeco, Mul-t-lock): $200-$350 per lock

Master key system: $35-$75 per cylinder

Safe installation: $500 and up

Surveillance camera installation: $1000-$2000

Cabinet locks change / rekey: $100-$150

Door closers installation: $150-$350

Most locksmiths will charge you per task, meaning a flat price for whatever service you need, and NOT hourly rate as most people believe. Therefore, we highly recommend being as precise as you can when you describe your need and ask for a quoted based on the service needed.

In addition, it might be a good idea to ask for on-site free estimate, especially when you need a big project for your business. Most locksmiths would be happy to come out and give you a better quote for this type of job.

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Tips to remember when you call a locksmith for business near you:

 

Location and ETA

Ask about their current location and ETA, especially when you call for an office lockout service.

Most locksmiths travel up to 30 miles radius from their business location or store location.

In addition, there are many locksmith who don’t even have a store front. Their store is their work truck, which has all the necessary tools, keys and machines to do whatever service you may need.

Therefore, it’s critical you ask them for an ETA. If this is an emergency, mention that as well. Most locksmiths will give a priority to emergency calls over other calls.

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In case you want to replace your office locks:

If your business has 5 or more employees, consider installing a keyless or keypad lock to avoid having too many keys.

Furthermore, many locks have key control option, which can give the owner a better control on who access and at what time.

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Control who has your office keys / Key control:

 

Many business owners face a problem of having a need to rekey all the locks when the let one or more employees go. Consider installing high security locks with a restricted keyway.

This way, you can be certain when you get your key back, no unauthorized duplicates were made, and therefore no need to rekey the locks.

In addition, this can save you a lot of money in the long run.

There are many different brands for key control including Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, Schlage, Ilco and more. Ask your local locksmith for more information. They should be able to give you at least two options.

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Emergency and exit devices such as panic bars or push bars:

For most businesses there are some specific requirements for emergency exit devices on doors.

These requirements are set by local city and state laws, as well as federal.

Make sure you know yours and have a locksmith install the necessary devices.

Remember that those devices can be combined with restricted key way and locks. E.g. Detex emergency device combined with a Medeco rim cylinder/mortise lock for a better security overall.

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Consider installing a cover plate to protect your door:

Cover plate can prevent from someone breaking into your office if your door only has a doorknob option. This is a very common situation for businesses that have a side door/delivery door.

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Choose the right lock for your business:

Most commercial locks are categorized by grade. (1 being the best, and 3 most basic)

Ask your locksmith about one and see if it’s right for you.

In case you need a lock for an inside door/ office door, consider grade 2.

For locks that are being used frequently, outside and cold weather, you may want to choose grade 1.

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Ask about IC Core lock cylinders:

IC core locks are locks with interchangeable cores like in the picture here.

 

Meaning, you can change only the core in case you lose your keys, need a rekey or simply want to update your security. This can also save you a lot of money in the long run.

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General tips:

Regardless which type of locksmith service near your location you need, there are some general things to keep in mind to save you time and money.

Let’s take a look.

 

Get a few quotes from a few companies, don’t be lazy!

Prices vary. A lot. Make sure you call around to get the best price before you make your decision. You will be surprised how big of a difference there is for the very same service.

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Expand your search and call a few locksmiths, even if their business address seems far from your current location.

Most locksmiths offer mobile services, sometimes up to 30 Mi from their store location. Therefore, even though their store address seems to be far from you, their current location might be very close to you as they travel to customers all the time. Call and ask.

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If you are being asked to wait more than an hour, ask for a discount.

Many locksmiths would be happy to give you a discount while they finish another job. This way, everyone is happy. You get a discount, they get the job.

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Provide as many details as possible, even if you aren’t sure how important it is:

There are many different keys and locks that look the same. Remember to provide the locksmith as many details as you can about the service you need or the type of lock/key you want.

Mention the purpose of the lock (key control, basic lock, high security etc), brand, color and more.

If there is a serial number on the key/lock, mention it as well. Many times those serial numbers are key codes, which can make the process of cutting a key much faster.

This is relevant for all types of locksmith services.

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Make sure you get a copy or at least 2 keys!

Regardless of the type of service you need, be it a car key, new lock installed or rekey, high security lock etc, make sure you get an extra set of keys.

The reason is that it is much cheaper to have a duplicate when you have a key than to make one in case all keys are lost. This is relevant for car keys, as well as office or house keys. On average, the cost of making a duplicate key is less than half of making a new one when all keys are lost.

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Choose a reputable locksmith and look for license/affiliation etc:

Unfortunately, not in all states locksmith license is required. However, there are some states that it is required to have locksmith license.

Some other states, require locksmith license only in specific cities or counties.

In addition, look for associations/ affiliation/ reviews. (BBB, local and state organizations etc)

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Know the difference between original, used and aftermarket keys and locks:

There are many aftermarket keys and locks in the market today. Some of them are of a decent quality, and some less.

Obviously, there is a difference in price, which sometimes be up to 5 times or more between an aftermarket lock / key to the original by the manufacturer.

For example: An original OEM Honda/Kia/Chevy key fobs can cost about $150, while an aftermarket key made in China, may cost only $30. If you want a good quality, keep that in mind.

Same goes for lock cylinders. You can find a keyless entry door lock for $50 (aftermarket), while a good brand like Schlage, Yale etc may cost at least $200.

Know and ask which key or lock you get, and don’t compromise.

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Get an invoice and contact your insurance company:

Depends on your insurance policy, you may be able to get some money back for certain locksmith services.

Make sure you get an invoice and contact your insurance company and ask.

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Have the necessary documents to show ownership (Registration, insurance card)

For your own safety, a locksmith should check your ID, and other relevant documents before they make you a replacement key for your car.

Make sure you have the necessary documents to show proof of ownership to save time.

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