Lost My Car Keys & Have No Spare What Should I Do
Even the most diligent and attentive people can lose track of their car keys. You can drop them unknowingly, leave them behind in a café, lose them while out partying with friends, etc. In such cases, youre locked out of your vehicle unless theres a spare key available and the car is vulnerable to theft. Whether you have a chip key or a keyless fob, our auto locksmith can help.
Heres a look at what you can do when you have lost car keys:
Can I Replace A Car Key Myself
As frustrating as it is to lose or break a car key, this is not something you can fix yourself. For starters you would need to purchase new equipment that costs thousands of pounds. Add into the mix modern security measures and programming, and the only viable option is to use a professional key replacement service.
To find a local, reputable, tradesperson in your area and get a personalised car key replacement quote use our free search feature.
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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How To Get A Car Key Cut Without The Key
Car dealerships are able to create a car key and it is probably the best option.
Some locksmith companies are able to cut a key without the original key but it takes longer since they use the cars VIN and find it in the database.
Unlock A Lock can replace keys or cut keys for most of car makes, including: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, and more.
When To Go To A Dealer For A Replacement
If you have a car that was built within the last five years, a new-car dealer will usually be your best bet when you need a replacement key fob, due to the expensive programming equipment that is required, says John Ibbotson, CRs chief mechanic. Although it might be tempting to search for a cheaper key fob online, we learned from Audi and Subaru dealers that some won’t work with aftermarket key fobs.
If you want a new key fob for your Audi, it has to come from us, said a service adviser at Hoffman Audi of East Hartford, Conn. There’s a built-in security chip in the fob that cannot be reprogrammed for another Audi. The need for this chip is also why you can’t buy a new aftermarket Audi key fob online. The fob has become a critical part of the security of the car, he said. The average price for an Audi key fob replacement, including programming, is $500, we were told.
This isnt just the case for Audi, but European cars in general. They almost always force the customer to go to a dealer because the digital key encryption is only programmable by the manufacturer in a few select outlets in North America, says CRs Yu.
Other retailers we called, including a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealership and a Lexus dealership, said they dont mind trying to program aftermarket fobs if thats what the customer wants them to do, as long as the customer understands the risks involved.
Consumer ReportsConsumer Reports
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What Are The Common Types Of Car Keys Made
Mechanical or Standard Car Key
The good old fashion car key. They use to be all metal, but many now have plastic heads. When you have an all metal key, you can be certain it is a standard key.
Transponder Keys or Chip Keys
A transponder key, or chip key as they are sometimes called, has a tiny inductor embedded into the head of the key. In many cases, there is no way to visually tell that this inductor is in the plastic and therefore you cannot tell whether a key with a plastic head has an inductor in it or not.
In order for the car to run, transponder keys must be programmed to the car so that the car recognizes the key. When it is not programmed the car will either not start or will start then die in a few seconds. In both cases a security indicator should be flashing on the vehicles dashboard.
Locksmiths Make Laser Cut Car Keys/ High Security Car Keys
Locksmiths cut the latest automotive keys using high-tech milling equipment.
Laser cut car keys are high-security keys. The can be mechanical keys or they can be chipped transponder keys. What makes them high security is that instead of the cuts running down the edge of the key, the edge of the key remains flat after cutting and the cuts are either engraved around the edge without going through the edge or they go down the middle of the key.
Tibbe Automotive Keys
Car Remote & Key Combo Units
Car Key FOBs / Proximity Keys
It Is Not Only About Your Vin Number
Many times, when you get your car from the auction or your car is a re-constructed car you cant know the history of your vehicle. In this case, if your door lock and your ignition lock have the same key, we can code the lock of your door.
We have many ways to make your car key, you only need to call us and we will go from there. In like manner, we would explain to you all the steps involving making your car key. So, you can rest assured, we can get you back on the road in no time. This also includes key fob replacement service
When you realize that a car dealer cannot help you, its about time to call LockTech24/7. Because it is not only about your VIN number, but your car key.
Can You Cut Car Keys By VIN Number
Yes, we can!
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Car Key Repair Service:
If your car key has been broken or damaged, you can look at the options for getting the car key repaired. Common car key issues which can be repaired are:
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The car key has snapped in two
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The car key is worn out or becomes temperamental
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Transponder chip in the car key is damaged
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The car key is jammed into the ignition of your car
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The car key buttons are damaged
An auto locksmith or car key replacement garage will be able to carry out repairs for your original car keys to get them working like new again.
Factors Affecting Car Key Replacement Costs
There are a large variety of factors that dictate the cost of replacement car keys, including:
- Make of vehicle: Each car manufacturer uses different types of car key and security measures, affecting the cost of replacements.
- Model of vehicle: Not only does the make of a car influence the car key replacement cost but even different models in the same range will impact the price.
- Type of car key: As we learnt above, there are several types of car key. In general, the higher specification the key is, the higher the cost to replace.
- Extra features: Options include remote locking and car alarm activation, all of which can increase the cost of replacing a car key.
- Location: If using a local company to replace your car key, the price will vary depending on your location. For example, London companies will charge more than others.
- Where you go for a replacement: Auto locksmiths, dealerships and other car key replacement businesses will each set their own costs.
- Time of day: Some services offer out of hours car key replacements, but it is likely the cost will be much higher than if you can wait until the next day.
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Transponder Key Cutting And Programming
While old generations of vehicles have metal keys that can be easily cut by pretty much anyone who has a key cutting machine within reach , Transponder keys also require an electronic chip programming job to be done.
That electronic chip communicates with the cars ignition in order to verify that the key that is being used is really an original key and not a fake duplicate. Our specialists at UK Auto Locksmith have the necessary knowledge, software and hardware that is needed in order to provide Transponder programming services for all makes and models of cars.
If you found yourself in need of a car key cut in a hurry in London, UK Auto Locksmith has a 25-minute response time and helps get you sorted with best-in-class services. Car key cutting is simpler and more affordable with the right car locksmith in London.
Does Autozone Make Keys For Cars
AutoZone specializes in making keys for nearly any make or model and is truly your one-stop-shop for all your car key needs. If your vehicle is older than 20 years old, you can get regular ignition key blanks cut for your car and will cost you between $2.50 and $6.00.
If you have a newer vehicle that uses a transponder key , AutoZone can hook you up with a key and program it for your car at a fraction of the cost of a dealership.
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Why Choose Replacement Car Keys
Mobile service, we come to you
Dont waste your valuable time booking and waiting at your dealership for a spare or replacement car key. We come to you!
4-hour Callback Guarantee
We have a 4-hour call back guarantee to make sure we have a quote back in your hands ASAP! You can also call us to get a quote instantly.
Keys for all makes and models
Proudly supplying all makes and models of cars on Australian roads. Got something unique? Try us!
Longest running in the business
Weve been around for a long time, and our commitment to quality and service demonstrates this every day.
Cheaper than going through the dealer
Dont pay expensive dealer prices to cover their fancy showroom costs! Our quality genuine and aftermarket keys are significantly cheaper.
Accurate, guaranteed quotes
Unlike other replacement key providers, we dont hold you over a barrel on price when you need us most. What we say is what you pay!
Can I Replace A Car Key Without Having The Original
Its amazing how much we depend on our cars in our day-to-day lives. Many of us could not even get to work without our cars. This is why losing your car key or breaking your key off in the ignition or lock can seem like a nightmare. This is especially stressful if you dont have an extra key. If this happens to you, dont panic. Believe it or not, it is possible to have a copy of your car key made without the original.
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How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Key Fob
Theres no simple answer, but few modern key fobs are inexpensive. Even basic remotes may require special programming with computer software only accessible by a dealership.
Though the repair wont take more than a few minutes to replace, this can get expensive.
Kelley Blue Book contacted dealerships across the country for replacement costs of key fobs for some popular and high-end models. Quotes we got for replacing key fobs for a 2020 Subaru Forester with a push-button start ranged from about $200 to $400. A 2020 Toyota Sienna fob was about the same. However, dealers quoted as little as $150 to replace a 2017 Honda Accord key fob.
Several BMW dealers said that the more advanced security features embedded in the fob for a 2020 X5 justify the roughly $500 they charge to replace and program one. If you think thats a lot, consider that the crystal fob Aston Martin included with some of its models might cost $2,000 to replace and reprogram.
Technology Has Advanced And So Have Key Fob Replacement Costs
Our car keys have an uncanny ability to get lost inside coat pockets or underneath couch cushions or to disappear altogether. Before the 1990s, this disappearing act wasn’t a big deal. You could get a replacement key at any hardware store or locksmith and, of course, the car dealership. But that ease of making a new replacement key also made it easy for a thief to steal your car. These days, advances in key fob technology have made vehicles more difficult to steal, but the price has been costlier car key replacements.
Here’s a rundown of what you’ll face in the way of cost if you have to replace your key, along with some alternatives that could lower the bill. The prices quoted here are for Santa Monica, California, but parts and labor costs in your region will vary.
Basic keys can be copied at any dealership, locksmith or hardware store.
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Get Your Car Key Replacement Done At Home
Often you will find that many garages and mechanics are able to offer a mobile car service or repair from your home. A lot of auto locksmiths provide a mobile service and will be able to travel to you, with all key blanks and programming software carried in their vehicle.
What can I do if my car keys have been stolen?
How Long Does It Take To Get A Lost Car Key Replaced
The time it takes to replace your car key will depend on the following factors:
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The type of key, whether it is remote fob, keyless entry, or transponder.
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The make and model of your vehicle
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Whether the blank key is in stock
Specialist auto locksmiths are the fastest way to get a lost car key replaced, often giving you a new car key on the same day.
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First Contact Your Auto Insurance Company
We recommend you call the emergency number of your insurance company as soon as you realize your car keys are lost. Depending on your policy, it may be possible to make a claim for all or part of the cost of replacing your lost car keys. The insurance company may also recommend a local locksmith service that offers car key origination that they have contracted with to make the car keys and that they will pay direct.
In most cases insurers, and agencies such as AAA, will cover a portion of the cost of the auto key origination, and you will cover whatever portion remains.
Is It Possible To Copy Car Keys
On many occasions, car keys can get lost when the user least expects them. It is in these types of situations that people begin to wonder how to obtain a replacement key. To do this, it is necessary to consider the different types of car keys that exist today. Some of them are easy to obtain, while other keys are more high-tech.
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Welcome To Elite Automotive Locksmith
The foremost authority in car key
programming
Welcome to Elite Automotive Locksmith.
With over 30 years of experience in the trade, we’re the foremost authority on chipped car key technology
Elite Automotive Locksmith operates as a mobile car key maker and programmer. We are used and recommended by numerous leading automotive dealerships and motor traders throughout the Ottawa area. We offer a wide range of affordable yet professional automotive locksmith services that include working with the latest keyless entry systems and transponder keys. Our fully equipped mobile service vehicle carries the most advanced key cutting and programming equipment to generate a new key for most makes & models when all keys have been lost or stolen. Saving you the inconvenience and cost of having the car towed to the dealer.
we go to your place if all your car keys are lost ,”Ottawa and it’s Ontario suburbs “
or if simply a duplicate is needed you can come to us “by appointment only at your convenient time ”
7 days a week
Give yourself peace of mind, have a spare key made for your vehicle today.
613 731-1313
See Our Video Types Of Car Keys
What types of car keys are there? Why do cars need car key programming?
Meaning, most modern vehicles will require that a locksmith come out to your location to add the key to the cars computer system, because the keys contains electronics that must be programmed to the car in order for the engine to run.
A locksmith can tell over the phone if youre vehicle has a chip or not and whether you can go into the locksmith shop to pickup the car key or if they must come to you.
So when you you order a car key cut by code online there are two issues. First, if the ignition have ever been replace the key ordered on line wont work, and second, the car wont run until the key is programmed so you will have to have a local automotive locksmith near you come out and program the car key anyway.
Just start with your local auto locksmith. Youre going to need him to program the car key anyway, it keeps money in your state by hiring local, and you will be sure everything works the first time.
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.
But there are cases when you cannot make a car key using the VIN number and this is when you will need an experience automotive locksmith.
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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