Lost Car Keys Replacement

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

Lost Car Keys Replacement Tampa, FL. All Car Keys, Remote Key Fobs, Keyless Entry & Automotive Locksmith Services In One Place!

 

Call Now: 813-402-1236

 

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Our Auto locksmith & car key replacement services in Tampa, FL

I have lost my car key – Now what? How to get a replacement key? What options do I have?

The estimated cost of a replacement key & tips on how to save money

Car keys replacement near Tampa, FL – things you should know before you call for service

What type of key did I have? – Important information about the different type of keys

Can I use my insurance coverage to pay for a key replacement?

How to find lost car keys – Read before you call for service

 

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24/7 automotive locksmith services in Tampa, FL:

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Car keys replacement near Tampa, FL – things to remember before calling a locksmith or dealer

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.

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How to choose the right automotive locksmith for lost car keys in Tampa, FL?

  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, high security and remote key fobs require additional equipment that not all locksmiths carry.
  2. In addition, ask the locksmith is licensed bonded & insured.
  3. Explain your problem clearly. Lost car keys or lost ignition keys are different situations from an ignition problem.
  4. In case the key doesn’t turn in the ignition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new key. Sometimes it’s easier to replace the ignition instead. Make sure you mention this to the service provider.
  5. Verify the automotive locksmith actually serve your area to prevent a long waiting period.
  6. In case you are locked out of the car and lost your car keys, mention it as well so they will know this is an emergency situation.
  7. In addition, mention which type of key you had, e.g. regular car key, transponder key or remote key fob (push to start).
  8. Ask if the locksmiths are affiliated with 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’s not certain. However, it is good to try.
  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 a replacement key. In addition, it may result in a higher cost.

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Q: How can I know if my car key had a chip in it? I understand that some keys need to be programmed in order to start the car?

A: A good rule of thumb is that a key that had a plastic cover at the top and/or the vehicle was manufactured after the year 1998 most likely had a chip in it.

Hence, if you’ve lost your car key and it had a chip in it, the key will have to be programmed/ coded on site in order to start the car.

An automotive locksmith for car keys replacement in Tampa, FL can do that on-site. Alternatively, you can contact the dealer, but the car will have to be towed there.

 

Remote key fob:

Fob car key – Fob car key/ remote car key/ push to start car key: Usually looks like some sort of remote. It contains a chip in it and therefore will need to be programmed.

Remote Fob Key Replacement Services Tampa, FL 33607
Remote Fob Key Replacement Services Tampa, FL

Transponder chip key:

Chip transponder car key – Transponder chip car key: Usually has a black/gray cover at the top of the key. This is where the chip is located and therefore will need to be programmed.

Transponder Key Replacement Services Tampa, FL 33607
Transponder Key Replacement Services Tampa, FL

Non transponder key:

Regular car key – non-chip: Usually a simple blank metal key and therefore no programming is needed.

Non Chip car key Replacement Services Tampa, FL 33607
Non Chip car key Replacement Services Tampa, FL

 

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How to get a replacement key in Tampa, FL – Options, tips & more

One of the most common questions we are being asked is: “How can I get a replacement car key without the original? What options do I have?”.

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 type of car keys, including chip car keys and remotes.

Here, we will give an explanation about 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:

A locksmith is cutting a new key on site
A locksmith is cutting a new key on site

1. Call an automotive locksmith

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 1998 needs to be programmed to start the vehicle. That means that the car has to be present and connected to a special machine.

In addition, please make sure that the locksmith carries the necessary equipment to make a replacement key and the blank.

Pros:

  1. Very convenient – mobile automotive locksmith is usually near you and will come to your location.
  2. Fast – a locksmith is usually available 24 hrs a day
  3. Price – most often the cheapest way to go as car key replacement cost is a huge factor.

 

Cons:

  1. Availability of keys – Not all automotive locksmiths carry all the key blanks for all makes and models.
  2. Coding machines – Most chances that coding is needed for a replacement key. There are many different transponder keys and key fobs, some of them need a specific programming machine that not all locksmiths have. Moreover, to be able to program most transponder and key fobs for most makes and models, sometimes a locksmith needs to carry about 5 different coding machines.

Our locksmith tip:

To prevent a situation where the locksmith cant program your car key, make sure to provide the VIN number so they can check the information before they arrive at your location.

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What to ask when calling an automotive locksmith:

A. How much does it cost for a new car key – specify the exact year make and model of the car.

B. How long will it take to make a replacement key and how far the locksmith is.

C. Don’t forget to ask which form of payment they accept and ask for an invoice after you pay. You may be able to get some money back from your insurance. Click here to learn more 

 

 

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. Let’s go over them.

Pros:

  1. Price – Most chances that this is the cheapest way to get the actual key. There are many sellers online, most chances are that if you do your research, you will end up getting a good price. In addition, most often dealers and locksmiths would charge about 50% more than you can get it online.

Cons:

  1. Coding & Programming – Getting the right key, is only the first step. This key, which is uncut and without any chip value, will have to be cut (to fit into your specific ignition) and programmed (to your car’s computer). Therefore, you will have to have a locksmith or dealer do it for you, which will result in a higher cost.
  2. Time – It takes some time to get the key in the mail, plus the time to schedule an appointment with a locksmith or tow the car to the dealer. Therefore, if you need a replacement key asap, it may not be the best option.
  3. Availability of new keys – New car keys, including remotes, may not be available for a while until sellers get them. In this case, you may need to go to the dealer or locksmith to get a replacement key.

 

 

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.

 

Pros:

  1. Availability of car keys & programming machines – The dealer will definitely have the key you need. In addition, you can be sure they will have the necessary equipment to program and cut the key for you.
  2. Time – Once you have your car at the dealership it shouldn’t be long until you get a replacement key cut and programmed.

Cons:

  1. Price – The dealer usually charges more than a locksmith to cut and program the key. In addition, you will have to tow your car there, which means an additional cost.
  2. Availability – Unlike most locksmiths, the dealers only works at certain hours. Therefore, if you need a replacement key ASAP, this may be a problem.

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FAQ Lost Car Keys Replacement Tampa, FL:

 

Q: I have lost my 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan car key. In addition, I am locked out as well. Can you make a replacement key on site in Tampa, FL?

VW Key Replacement Service Tampa, FL
VW Key Replacement Service Tampa, FL

A: Yes. We can make replacement car keys and fobs to all Volkswagen models, including Volkswagen GLI, Jetta, Golf, Golf R, E Golf, Golf GTI, Beetle, Passat, Tiguan, CC, Touareg and more. Please call us for immediate assistance. See also: Lost Volkswagen Key Fob Replacement Tampa, FL

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Q: I own a 2019 Kia Niro and lost my smart fob key with a chip. Can you make a car key replacement for Kia cars? I am in Tampa, FL.

Lost Kia Car Keys Replacement Tampa, FL
Lost Kia Car Keys Replacement Tampa, FL

A: Yes, We can make a replacement fob, chip or transponder car keys for most makes and models including Kia. In addition, our automotive locksmiths deal with all Kia models, including Kia Sportage, Sorento, Sedona, Optima, Rio, Cadenza, Soul, K900, Forte and more. We can make you a spare as well. The process usually takes about one to two. For more info please visit: Lost Kia Keys replacement Tampa, FL

 

Q: My key won’t turn in the ignition and I believe it needs to be replaced. Can you replace ignition cylinders?

Ignition Key Replacement Service Tampa, FL
Ignition Key Replacement Service Tampa, FL

A: Yes, we can replace most makes & models ignition cylinders. However, there is a good chance that it won’t be necessary. Please read more here: ignition key won’t turn

 

Q: I need an automotive locksmith to make me a remote car key replacement for my 2013 Infiniti M56. Can you help me near Tampa, FL?

Infiniti Car Keys Replacement Services In Tampa, FL
Infiniti Car Keys Replacement Services In Tampa, FL

A: We can help you with that. We make all Infiniti car keys and fobs on site so you do not have to tow your car. In addition, we deal with all Infiniti models, including Infiniti QX70, QX80, Q50, Q70, Q60, QX60, QX50, Q40 and more. Please visit: Lost Infiniti Replacement Keys Tampa, FL

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Q: How much does it cost to get a replacement car key? I lost my only set of keys and have no spare. What is the estimated cost for a new key? Can you help?

A: In a nutshell, to replace a car key usually cost between $45-$460 (Not including high-end car keys). It depends on a few factors:

  1. Type of key
  2. The year manufactured
  3. Time of day & your location
  4. Where you get a key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.)
  5. Availability of code to cut a new key
  6. Original ignition or not

FOR A MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION AND TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY, CLICK HERE

 

Q: My 2021 Mazda CX-9 car key is lost. How can I get a replacement key? Do you offer a replacement car keys service in the Tampa, FL area?

Mazda Key Replacement Services Tampa, FL
Mazda Key Replacement Services Tampa, FL

A: Yes, we can make you a replacement key for your Mazda. Our technicians will be able to make you a replacement car key on site and are located in the Tampa, FL area. In addition, we deal with all Mazda models, including Mazda 3, 6, CX-5, CX-3, CX-9, MX-5, 5, RX-8, Tribute, MPV and more. Please visit: Lost Mazda Key Tampa, FL

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