Thursday, March 28, 2024

How To Replace Lost Car Keys

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A locksmith can replace the keys of motorcycles, motor scooters, vans, caravans, trucks, and different kinds of cars. We can also replace the keys of different manufacturers like Honda, Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Kia, Hyundai, Dodge, and more.

You dont need to take your vehicle to the locksmith. We offer a mobile locksmith service in Ottawa and Gatineau so you can request a visit from a qualified locksmith to handle the issue. If you want to know more, dont hesitate to contact Speedy Locksmith Ottawa today!

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S To Get A Replacement Key For Your Car

1. Obtain VIN. First, get the vehicle identification number from the dashboard or engine bay of the car. Note the exact make, model, and year of the vehicle. If the VIN is hard to find, check out the vehicles title or insurance paperwork to find out.

2. Contact a locksmith. Older cars, especially those made by non-luxury manufacturers, have the easiest keys to replace. Making a call to the local auto locksmith can solve the whole problem in many cases. Additionally, a locksmith can end up saving you a lot of money compared to a dealership.

However, If the key is from a more modern car, the shape may be too complex for a local locksmith or it may need to be programmed to work with a certain vehicle. Some locksmiths are capable of digital programming replacement keys, but many cannot imitate a code laser-etched onto the key.

3. Have a locksmith make the key, and a dealer program it. If a locksmith can make the new key but not program it, take it to the dealership for that final step. The module that needs to be programmed can be very expensive through the dealership, so be sure to research other options. For example, offers replacement car keys for many different makes and models.

Security is important, and an unlocked door can ruin a car just as quickly as a seized engine under the right circumstances. Car key replacement can be expensive, so be prepared. Always try to go through a locksmith when possible. Researching prices ahead of time can save frustration down the road.

Oh No After Losing All Car Keys When You Must Go To A Dealer

There are a few instances where you will need to go to a dealer after losing all of your car keys. There is a governing body called NASTF , and their purpose is to coordinate between car manufacturers, parts suppliers, and automotive technicians to allow computer protocol information to be used in the open marketplace. This is necessary as car keys now have to be programmed to the vehicles, and so the technicians making a key must have a computer link to a vehicle and guide it to learn a new operating key .

So, for car brands like BMW, VW, and Audi, you nearly always have to go through a dealer to get the car keys made / originated. Weve heard that some automotive shops and locksmiths have gotten pirated systems from overseas to accomplish this task outside the dealer, but do you want to trust your car security to someone willing to buy an illegal device to work with it? Dealers may be expensive, but at least they are reputable.

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How To Replace Lost Car Keys 4 Things You Should Know

Youre rushing out the door and you know right away youre missing something. Youve got your phone. Your wallet is in your pocket. Then you go to unlock your car door and thats when you know. Youve lost your car keys.

You may go on a search anywhere and everywhere. You overturn couch cushions, check under the refrigerator and even go through your kids toys to see if they got misplaced. The search goes on and on with no luck of finding your keys.

There comes a time when you realize you just need to replace those keys so you can get on with your life. Thankfully, there are excellent services and steps you can take to get new car keys relatively quickly. Here, we share four things you should know about replacing those lost car keys.

Car Key Replacement Options

Simple Tips on How to Find Your Lost Car Keys

Lets take a look at the three basic options to have a spare or replacement key made. Keep in mind, none of them are the $4 or $5 dollar options from many years ago. However, they can help you out if youre ever in a bind and save you a few bucks in the process.

Following the old boy scout motto always be prepared, is your best option. Well I think it was the boy scout motto. Regardless, theyre definitely words to live by. Always have at least one spare key available. Especially when youre traveling on long trips. In most cases, it will be less expensive to have a second key made.

I have found several options to have these types of key replacements done and will provide more information and tips on these in the Lost Key Replacement Resources section below.

Self-Programming Vehicle Transponder Key

Can you program your own car transponder key? The short answer is yes you can, in most cases. I have found that most vehicle manufacturers have a means for the vehicle owner to program their own spare key. Unfortunately, there are a few exceptions in some of the newer vehicles made today.

To further complicate things, some manufacturers require you to have two original programmed keys in order to program your own replacement key. So, if youre proactive and have a spare made before its needed, youre all set.

Transponder Key Programmer Tool

Dealership/Locksmith Transponder Key/keyfob Replacement

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Car Key Fob And Switchblade Key

After the detached fob was released, auto manufacturers combined the two in a mechanism that would lock and unlock a vehicle with a spring-loaded key that folds into it, like a switchblade.

If you lose it: Pricier than a plain fob, an aftermarket fob with a switchblade key costs about $125 to replace. These are most easily found at a dealership, where they may be cut and programmed on-site theyre also available online.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Car Keys

The cost to replace the key can range from as low as £25 to well over £200, the price will depend on the following factors:

  • 1. Vehicle Model The make, model & age of the vehicle you have, this will include what immobiliser system the vehicle has
  • 2. Key type If its a remote key fob, keyless entry or made before 1995 without a chip inside.
  • Get at least 3 quotes we recommend you get a quote from a local auto locksmith near to you, most likely they will be cheaper than going to your local vehicle dealer or using your car insurance as some policies do not cover lost keys.

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    What To Do If Youve Lost Your Car Keys & Have No Spare Set

    An Auto Locksmith can help you with lost keys for any type of motor vehicle from a car, van, truck or motorcycle. So if you need a spare car key cutting or your remote car key programming we recommend to contact a local MLA approved auto locksmith near you.

    In order to assist the auto locksmith the following information will help:

    What Happens If My Key Doesnt Work After I Had It Cut

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    Transponder chip keys have to be programmed before they will be able to start your vehicle. A new car key not working is often the result of it not being programmed. Once a key is cut, an automotive locksmith or car dealership can program it for you. You may be able to program keys from older model vehicles yourself.

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    What Will Your Locksmith Will Need To Know

    You will need to be able to identify the year, make and model of your car. You will also need to prove ownership of the vehicle, so have your registration or title handy. The vehicle identification number is more commonly known as the VIN number, and your locksmith will need to know this as well.

    The VIN number can be found either on drivers side doorpost or stamped on a metal plate on the drivers side dashboard. Your key identification number is also an important item to have, and this can usually be found in your car manual however is not always required information. Let your locksmith know if you believe that your keys have been stolen. If this is the case, he or she will need to reprogram your car in such a way that the old keys will no longer work.

    Issues When Replacing A Lost Car Key

    The days of just going to the hardware and having a duplicate car key made have become a little more complicated. Starting back in the late 1990s vehicle manufacturers began installing a chip in the plastic cover on your car keys .

    This chip must be programmed for your vehicle or it will not start. I knew this and Im sure most folks reading this article know this. However, if youve never had to get a replacement made for one of these keys, you probably didnt know that the cost went from having a key cut at the local hardware for $4 or $5 to around $100 or more, depending on the vehicle, at the dealer!

    There are a few options for getting a replacement key made, which Ill cover more below, that can save you money. However, the second main issue is that you must have at least one original programmed key to program a second new key. If youve lost both keys, then be prepared to pay the maximum at the dealership.

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    Why Cant I Program A New Key Myself If I Have One Working Key

    Your programming instructions may state that you must have two working keys to be able to program a new key because the vehicles programming mode can only be accessed with two separate keys. You cant use one programmed key twice. If you only have one working key, any new ones will have to be programmed by a car dealership or automotive locksmith.

    How To Replace Lost Car Keys In A Hurry

    Car Key Replacement: How to Replace Any Lost Key or Key ...

    Car keys are one of those items that are easy to take for granted until they are suddenly lost. Within an instant it becomes very clear just how important they are. After all, without them you cant get into your car, let alone drive it.

    In the past, getting new keys made for a car cost just a few dollars. These days, however, technology has changed and the price of replacement keys has gone up accordingly. This is particularly true for new models of vehicles that use sophisticated key technology. Whether you have an older car that uses traditional keys, or a newer model that requires a more high-tech solution, the following tips will help you replace lost car keys in a hurry.

    1. Depending on the car that you have, you will need to contact either a locksmith or a car dealer to get new keys made for your vehicle. Traditional car keys and transponder keys can both be replaced by a locksmith. Smart keys, laser-cut keys and switchblade keys, on the other hand, need to be replaced by the dealer. Determining what type of keys your car uses can help ensure that you contact the right professional for the job.

    2. Buy from a locksmith if at all possible. Typically prices charged by locksmiths are far lower than those charged by dealers. If you have a choice based on the type of keys that your car uses, the best choice is always to opt for a locksmith rather than a dealer.

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    How To Replace Lost Or Stolen Car Keys Car Keys Replacement On Site

    In addition to car keys made service, we also repair or replace ignition locks. One-stop professional mobile locksmith shop is all you need to get a convenient car key replace service. LockTech24/7 is a mobile car keys services, so you only have to call us, and we will be there with you, within 20 minutes.

    Replacing Lost Car Keys When You Cant Make A Key By Vin

    To be honest, just about any auto locksmith can cut a key by VIN and, if he has the programming equipment, program the key to the car.

    • When the car is too old to use the VIN key by code method.
    • When the ignition was replaced at some point in time so the key by VIN does not work.
    • Some model cars have split years. Where two types of keys are made during a given year. Locksmiths will sort that out for you.

    When the car key by code method is not available locksmiths can still make keys when youve lost all of the car keys. There are several methods locksmiths can use to make the car key.

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    Lost My Car Keys No Spare What To Do

    The best & fastest way to replace lost car keys is using a Auto locksmith who are experts with car keys so will provide you with a replacement set for whatever vehicle you have. To find out 5 ways to replace lost car keys click here we tell you what the cheapest and fastest way to get replacement keys is.

    Better Safe Than Sorry

    Lost Car Keys – Prevent Lost Car Keys and Replacements

    There’s no denying that modern keys are expensive. And so the best defense against losing them is a good offense. It is better to get a spare key now, on your terms, than to stress out and spend the money in what might be an emergency. You can take advantage of the cost-cutting methods here and avoid the labor charges by programming the key yourself.

    Finally, if you are someone who’s tempting fate by only having one set of keys, consider this: If you lose all the keys to your car, you will need to get it towed to a dealership, and it can potentially cost you close to $1,000 to replace the locks on your car.

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    Buy A New Set From A Car Dealership

    You could also buy a new set of keys from the dealership you bought your car from .

    Bear in mind that this is likely to be the most expensive way to get replacement car keys. This could also take a lot longer than finding a locksmith yourself as new keys may have to be shipped in from the manufacturer.

    Latest figures from CheckaTrade show that the average replacement car key costs £252 while keys for luxury car brands can stretch into the thousands.

    Always Check Online First

    No matter which type of car key your car needs, always check for replacement keys online first. They are typically much more affordable than the ones you get at the dealership or auto shop and you can typically get them reprogrammed by a locksmith. However, if you cannot, then the dealership will be able to do it for you.

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    Dont Have The Original Key

    You can still acquire a replacement key if you have lost the original. You may have the option of returning to the dealer to obtain a replacement, however, this can be very expensive, especially if you need your vehicle to be towed to your dealerships location. A more affordable option is to enlist the services of an auto locksmith. In fact, many dealers utilize the services of outside locksmiths for replacement keys and many locksmiths can cut and program the exact same key for about 50% less cost than a dealership.

    An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original. When you contact a locksmith, you will need to supply some information to the company before your key can be replaced.

    You Dont Have A Spare Key

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    If you have lost your vehicles only key, dont worry.We can provide a replacement key and program it to work with your vehicle. We can also erase the old key from the system and will no longer work with your vehicle so theres no need to worry about auto theft.

    Thats why we always encourage clients to call an auto locksmith quickly. Your car will be vulnerable to theft as long as the old key is still compatible.

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    How Long Will It Take To Get A Spare Set Of Car Keys

    The time it takes to provide a spare replacement key will depend on the following factors:

  • 1. The type of key
  • 2. The model of your car
  • 3. In stock If the key blank is available or they need to order a new one in.
  • Auto locksmiths are fast They carry a wide range of key blanks in most cases, they will be able give you a replacement car key on the same day.

    Auto locksmiths approved by Master Locksmiths Association are Vetted, Inspected & Qualified

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