Getting a Lost Car Key Replaced
If you’ve lost your car keys and are at a loss for what to do next, we’ve got good news for you! Replacing your lost car key is easier than you might think.
When you lose your car key, it can be a seriously stressful situation. If you’ve ever been in this situation, you know that there are a lot of things to consider before deciding to get a new key made: how much will it cost? How long will it take? How will I get there?
First off, don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world if you lose your car key. There are plenty of other options before deciding to tow it to the dealership.
Options for replacing car keys
If you’ve lost your car keys and need to get a replacement, there are two options:
- call a locksmith
- tow your car to the dealership
What if I have a spare key?
If you have a spare key, you’re one step ahead. It will be easy to get a replacement key made so you will have two keys, keeping one for emergencies such as this. Get in touch with Auto Locksmiths right away! They’ll be able to make a new one for you at a reasonable price and have it ready within an hour or two.
What if I don’t have a spare key?
If you don’t have a spare key, you still have options. An automotive locksmith can replace your lost car key, even if you don’t have a spare. They can create a copy of your car key, and have it ready within an hour or two—sometimes even faster. Locksmiths are often the first people called when a car key is lost or stolen, so if you’re in this situation, give them a call right away.
How do I get a new car key made?
These steps will help guide your process in making sure that you’re getting the best deal on your new car keys. If you’re in this situation, give them a call right away. When you contact the locksmith, let them know that you’re looking for replacement car keys. They’ll ask for information about your vehicle and whether or not it has remote entry (this will help them determine what kind of key they need).
How much does it cost to make a new car key?
The cost of a new car key depends on the manufacturer and vehicle locksmith you choose, as well as the type of key you need. The price can also vary if you need to replace your entire remote entry system or just a single key fob.
Some common factors that affect pricing include:
- What kind of car it is (luxury cars tend to be more expensive)
- The type of lock system used by your particular make and model (remote immobilizers are more expensive than manual ones, for example)
Cost of calling a locksmith vs a dealership to replace lost car keys
Before you get a new car key made, you’ll want to consider how much it will cost. Some automotive locksmiths and dealerships can make keys for you, but they will charge a fee for their services. This means that getting a new car key made isn’t free. When looking into different options, ask what kind of price range you should expect if you need to have a new key made.
The price is typically dependent on several factors:
- The type of vehicle (i.e., whether it’s an SUV or sedan)
- Where the vehicle is located (i.e., whether it’s in your city or across state lines)
- Whether or not there are any added security features like transponder chips in the key
A dealership will require you to tow the car to them because they will need it to be physically close to program a new key or key fob if you have a newer vehicle. This cost will need to be included in the overall comparison.
Calling an auto locksmith for a car key replacement is often a quicker, easier solution because they come to you, are available 24/7 for emergencies, and can have a key made for you in a few hours versus several days for a dealership. This service is done by the service department and time will depend on their schedule.
The decision to call an automotive locksmith or take your car to a dealership for key replacement will ultimately depend on your particular situation. It’s best to weigh all of your options and then make an informed decision based on what is best for you and your vehicle.
