What Do I Do If My Car Keys Are Stolen
If your vehicle keys are stolen an auto locksmith will be able to do the following:
Why Are Replacement Car Keys So Expensive
Technology has advanced the security and capabilities of car keys today, but improvement comes at a price. Most keys used today have sophisticated electronic components that are programmed before use. For cars five years old or newer, this programming can be done by a dealership or a locksmith.
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Automatic Locks For Cars
Newer cars with key fobs that automatically unlock your car will need to be replaced and reprogrammed by the dealer.
If your car has a transponder key, you’ll also need to have your car towed to a dealer who can order you a new key and program it. This can end up costing hundreds of dollars.
Yes, changing your locks is a hassle, and yes, it can be expensive, but the peace of mind is worth it.
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Key Copies: Price And Options
Making a copy or duplicate of our car key. Talking about car key prices is the most economical option to have new keys for our vehicle. But, as in other situations of this type, waiting for the key to our car to become an emergency because we do not have any spare. It will not only leave us with the vehicle immobilized. Probably in some complicated situation such as a parking lot or someplace far from our home. But it will also be far more complex to solve for a professional or the dealer.
Search For Lost Car Keys One More Time
The first step in finding lost car keys is to calm down and not panic. It will help you think more clearly. You may have searched for your car keys so many times already. But now that youre calm, search for it one more time.
Check your bags, your desk drawer, office, or wherever you may have placed the car keys. This step is important even if you think that youre completely sure that youve lost your keys. Just give yourself enough time to search for it. Youll save a lot of money if it turns out that you just left it in the bathroom for some reason.
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Where Can I Get A New Car Key Made Without The Original
The dealership or an automotive locksmith are the two full-service options to replace a car key with no spare. With older cars, the dealership may not be able to access your key information. A mobile locksmith is the only option that will come to your location and make new keys with no spare on site.
Who Do You Call To Replace Your Keys
The options you have when replacing your lost keys will depend on what type of technology your keys use. Keep in mind that if your keys have been stolen, you may want to replace the lock or update the technology so that the old keys wont work.
Dealership: A car dealership will have the equipment and technology to replace all keys for your car manufacturer. Smart Keys must be replaced at the dealership, but for other key types, there are other options.
Locksmith: Many locksmiths can accommodate key replacements with varying degrees of tech sophistication. When calling a locksmith near you, expect to explain the type of car key you have to see if he or she can help you replace your keys. A mobile locksmith may be able to come to your location, or a national service such as Car Keys Express may be available in your area.
Online Retailer: Instead of turning the process over to a professional, you can save on labor costs by purchasing a key fob replacement online. Youll then need to get the key cut and programmed following your purchase.
Whichever method you chose for replacing your keys, youll need your cars year, make, model, and VIN. Typically, youll also need a car registration, drivers license, or another way to confirm ownership of the car.
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What To Do If Youve Lost Your Car Keys
Youve looked everywhere your home, the car, under the pile of papers. You cant find your car keys and are reaching the point of surrender. If you lost your car keys, understandably, youll want to find a replacement and regain access to your vehicle. If you need a car key replacement because youre locked out of your car, heres what to do.
What Do I Do If Ive Locked My Keys In The Car
If you dont fancy the idea of breaking into your own car, you can call your breakdown service, if you have breakdown cover.
Depending on how busy they are, there might be a bit of a wait before they can come to you. Theyll attempt to open the car and get the keys. If they cant, theyll call a locksmith, but you might need to pay for that yourself.
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Things To Do If You Lose Your Keys
Its happened to everyone. Youre in a rush to get out the door, youre running late, and the very thing you need to get you to your destinationyour keysseem to have disappeared.
Sometimes, they show up. But other times, they really are lost. More than 20 million people in the United States lose their car and house keys every year.
Not only is it frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive to lose your keys, but it can also put your home, family, and belongings at risk if they get in the wrong hands. Thats why its important to act fast.
This step-by-step guide will help you know exactly what to do if you lose your house or car keys.
When You Realise You Have Lost Your Keys
According to the RAC, around 16 million drivers regularly misplace their keys. If you lose your keys or they are stolen, you may be covered by your insurer, but if a family member or friend loses them, its unlikely that your insurer will pay the costs.
If they have been stolen, you must report the crime to the police and get a crime reference number in order to make a claim with your insurer. If you leave your keys in the ignition and your car is stolen, your insurer will not cover you. Lying to your insurer and saying that they have been stolen is fraud.
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While You Are Likely To Have A Spare Key Issued By The Automaker At The Time Of The Vehicle’s Purchase But Losing A Key In The First Place Is Not ‘not A Problem’
Wait, another car key article? Yeah, guilty as charged. But hey, do not shoot the messenger it is our job to keep you informed about the countless aspects of the automotive industry, vehicle ownership, etc. etc. While most people would not pay much heed to car keys, turns out it is much more important than most of us would be inclined to believe. That and car keys are a much wider topic than we originally believed. Anyway, the point is that there is much to discuss and talk about when it comes to owning vehicles and their keys. In this article, we want to talk about what happens when you lose your car’s key. Now, some of you may go, “Well, that is no problem because I have a spare key.” Well, you are both right and wrong. While you are likely to have a spare key issued by the automaker at the time of the vehicle’s purchase , but losing a key in the first place is NOT ‘not a problem’.
Why? For starters, getting a duplicate key made is not easy as it may seem, at least not anymore. If you have a manual locking system, then it will be both easier and inexpensive to get a duplicate made. However, it also means the keymaker will have a print of the key, which poses a massive risk. However, if you have a FOB key, as most modern cars do, getting a dublicate key made is actually quite expensive.
Tip : Dont Panic Just Search
When we realize we lost our keys, the first instinct is to panic. And then we get angry at ourselves because it happened again. This might help us vent our frustrations, but it wont help us do a focused and productive search for lost keys.
Instead, try to stay calm and start searching. Check the place where your keys are supposed to be. Sometimes, we just miss them the first time around and double checking might help you avoid unnecessary searches.
Professor Solomon theorizes that most lost objects remain within 18 inches of their designated spot, theyre just a little off their usual location. He calls this 18-inch-wide zone the Eureka Zone.Dont waste time searching the same places repeatedly, just because the keys are supposed to be there. Instead search systematically and only move to the next room or space after you thoroughly searched the previous one.
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Do I Need To Go To My Main Dealer To Get A Spare Transponder Key
No the majority of locksmiths serve as the primary provider of transponder key duplication. Many dealers today practice the outsourcing of this service to locksmiths.
This means that you will save a significant amount of time and money by going directly to the source since they will mark up the price of the locksmith that you could have called directly.
Tips To Avoid Losing Your Keys
Here are our top tips to help you avoid losing your keys, and thus protect your car from theft.
1. Get a spare car key cut on the high street you could save money by getting your keys cut at high street cutters instead of buying directly from the dealer. There are also online locksmith companies that you could use. This means that youll have a spare key if you lose it. Its often a cheaper option because locksmiths purchase blank car keys in bulk at a much lower rate and have lower operating costs than dealer franchises.
2. Dont leave your keys unattended when out and about and keep them out of sight in your home .
3. When you buy a car from a dealership or private seller, ask for two sets of keys.
4. If you need to give them to a mechanic, only give them the necessary keys.
5. Its quite obvious but dont put all your keys on the same keyring if you lose one, you lose them all!
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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:
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
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lost Keys
Typically, the most expensive option is to replace your keys at a car dealership. However, this choice gives you the convenience of not having to do any troubleshooting yourself.
Using a locksmith will be a cheaper solution, but youll have to work with the provider to ensure he or she services the type of key technology your car has.
Consumer Reports found that replacing the keys for a 2005 Accord at the dealer cost $200. Comparatively, buying a key online and having a locksmith cut and program it costs $134. Thats a 33% savings by opting not to go to the dealership.
Here are some sample costs for dealership replacement of lost keys:
- Acura Smart Key: $400
- Audi Key: $280 to $350
- BMW Smart Key: $500
- Chrysler Key: $90 to $400
- Dodge Key: $200
- Ford Transponder Key: $160 for the key, additional $75 for the fob
- Honda Laser Key: $150 to $250
- Kia : $30 to $80
- Kia Key and Fob: $250 to $300
- Lexus Key Fob: $374
- VW Key and Fob: $300
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Do I Have To Tow My Car
Well come to your car wherever it is in the greater Summerville / Charleston area to program the key to start your car. This eliminates your need to tow the vehicle. Some companies require that you tow the car to them for key programming. Towing can cause costly damage to a vehicle, why take that risk if you dont have to? And lets face it, who wants to wait for a tow truck? Instead, have one of our fast, reliable technicians come to you.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lost Car Keys
The cost of replacing lost car keys in Milwaukee can range anywhere from $50 to $350, depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the overall scope of the work. Although a locksmiths services cost less than your local dealers, there is no defined cost structure that locksmiths must follow: hence, your ideal solution is to obtain a quote from more than one locksmith.
Consider having more than one key made if you have found yourself in this situation. Once the locksmith is there, it is not that much extra to fabricate another.
Your car is more than just a means of transportation: It gives you the freedom to not only accomplish your daily tasks with greater speed and efficiency but also to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Whether you are 16 or 96, owning a car is something that you likely take for granted, which is why finding your car keys lost or stolen can be absolutely devastating!
Fortunately, a trained and certified locksmith like Milwaukee Lockstar can resolve the problem before your very eyes.
If you seek one of the most skilled yet affordable locksmiths in your area, look no further than Milwaukee Lockstar for all of your car key replacement needs.
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There Are Four Categories Of Car Keys
Transponder Key
Transponder keys, also known as chip keys, have become the standard for most car manufacturers. In order to prevent car theft, these keys are electronically paired with your cars ignition system, and they wont start without the key matching your car.
Smart Key
Smart keys are proximity-based systems that unlock your car with a push of a button and start your car without needing to put the key into the ignition. Different car manufacturers have different names for this technology such as Audis Advanced Key, Hondas Smart Entry System, Fords Intelligent Access, and more.
Key Fobs
Key fobs rely on radio frequencies to lock or unlock your car doors without needing to push a button. Sometimes these keys have a keyless ignition system. Key fobs are paired with your vehicle, and you can still use a traditional metal key to unlock and start your car, because of the lack of authentication technology present.
Traditional Car Keys
The easiest key to replace is the traditional key because there are no electronics on the key. You can easily replace them at a locksmith or any key cutting kiosk or hardware store.
Finding Lost Car Keys
Usually, when something goes missing, our reaction is to panic. Stress, worry, fear, and even anger can all creep in, clouding all of our thoughts.
While you might feel productive, tearing through the house searching for your lost car keys, youre actually making things worse. Getting upset will only cloud your thinking. If you want to have any hope of finding your keys, youll need a calm state of mind.
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Costs Of Replacing A Car Key
If you need a replacement car key, its going to cost some money. If you have an older car, you can replace your car key for $3 to $7.
A new key can be more expensive if you have a newer car with an electronic key or another specialized car key. Replacement car keys with chips, transponders, or fobs can cost up to $250, depending on your area and labor costs.
Lost Car Keys Conclusion
In this article, we have covered a lot when it comes to lost car keys. We learned a lot. Starting from the key basics, we then learned all the key types that vehicles use. These key types were the traditional key, the transponder key, the laser cut transponder key, and the keyless entry.
Then, we discussed the prices and the cost that you will have to pay to replace the key with a new one. As we said, the price is going to depend on the type of key that you have. Also, dont forget to remind yourself that whenever you lost your car keys, you should always have some kind of proof that you own the vehicle for the locksmith to open the car for you.
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