You rushed out of your house, opened the garage, and put your hand inside the pocket. But wait for a second! Where are the keys? I lost my car keys.
Rummaged through your pocket, searched your entire house, but still, the precious keys are not to be found. Now you are stuck with the issue of finding the right person to get your keys replaced.
Running to the local key-maker in your area (who may not have experience with the latest cars) might be your first thought, but vehicles are getting smarter, and so are the keys. That being said, the best way to get a key replacement will depend entirely on the make and model of your car.
Every Car Key is Unique!
Before heading out to a key maker, you need to understand that every key is just as unique as the car itself. To get a car key that works with the locks of your car, you must have information on the make and model of your car.
Traditional and older cars used simple keys and were quite easy to replace. Go to a local locksmith, and he will instantly make a replacement key right on the spot.
But if you are a man of passion and own the latest model of Audi with a fob key, be prepared to spend your time, energy, and money as well.
Modern cars have a built-in security system that unlocks and start the engine only when the key is nearby. Key fob, transponders, smart keys have chips and sensors within them. Such keys need to be programmed and paired electronically with the car’s ignition system. This sort of work is out of the league for a local locksmith. To get your replacement key, you either need to go to the car dealership or an auto locksmith (which is a cheaper option than a car dealership).
So, what to do if you lose your car keys?
How to Get Replacement Car Keys?
Without a car, getting to the office on time or dropping off kids at school will become a serious problem. Therefore, you need a quick yet cheapest solution for your replacement car keys.
Here are four simple ways you will be able to get a new car key in case the old one gets misplaced or broken.
1. Visit the Nearest Garage
Getting to the nearest garage will be your first instinct when you get locked out of the car. If you have a conventional car with no smart chips and sensors, you can get a replacement key pretty quickly.
But since traditional vehicles are long gone, getting to a local garage might not be a worthy solution due to the following reasons:
- Local garages do not have the right equipment and technology to produce programmed keys.
- They will charge you an extra for utilizing the latest tools and devices used for programming a new key.
- They may not have the right expertise and experience and involve a third party to complete the job, which will take time.
In short, with no proper tools and little knowledge of smart key structures, local garages will be slow in solving your problem.
2. The Car Dealership
Going to a car dealership will be an ideal option for getting a key that is reliable and will function smoothly with your car’s locking mechanism. Transponders and Smart keys are pretty complicated. The dealership will embed a new circuit in your car, program your keys, and electronically pair the devices to resolve your problem.
They can easily replicate the key fob and switchblade key at about $125. However, there are some aspects of contacting a car dealer that you need to understand, such as:
- First: They are expensive. To change a transponder car key will cost you $200-$250, excluding the towing charges.
- Second: The whole process of key replacement is lengthy and time-consuming.
- Third: They may hire the service of an auto locksmith to make a replacement key. Which you can try on your own and save your money and time.
- Fourth: You might have to tow your car to the shop (in case things get complicated.)
3. Auto Locksmith Service
Whether you own a classic vintage car or you just bought a high-end luxury automobile, an automobile locksmith (who makes car keys) is a one-stop solution for all replacement needs.
Automobile locksmith services are high in demand due to their cost-effectiveness, quick assistance, and proficiency in working with vehicles of all models. Also, a reliable auto locksmith:
- Has all the professional tools for instantly programming your key.
- Is licensed, so their insurance claim will cover any damage during the working process.
- Has an in-depth knowledge about locks, keys, rekeying locks, lock damages, and more.
- Offers round-the-clock support and a reasonable price.
From providing replacement car keys to fixing broken ones, they can fix your problem in just one visit.
Furthermore, automotive locksmiths are professional people. Before they program a key for you, they will demand the make, model, the year the car was manufactured, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and car registration number. This is to ensure that the vehicle truly belongs to you. This makes them far more reliable than local garages and pricey car dealerships.
4. Call Your Car Insurance Provider
You may not know, but sometimes key replacement is covered within an insurance policy. Some car insurance policies allow the insurer to cover replacement car keys as an add-on while filing for a car insurance policy. The exact nature of the coverage depends upon the clause and policy itself.
So, go through your insurance policy and see exactly how the insurance providers cover your key replacement expense. However, this is a bit tiresome process and may require a lot of time till you get your keys to get ready.
Tips To Avoid Key Replacement
Losing car keys is a normal situation, and more than often, people face this problem. But since you can’t afford to lose your keys time and again, take our advice and follow these tips:
- Make sure you have a spare key saved in your cupboard. Whenever you get locked out of your car, quickly grab the other one.
- When buying a new car look, at the car dealership program. Most car dealers provide key fob programming for a definite amount. Take advantage of it and have multiple keys prepared in advance.
- Before heading straight to your car dealer, consult your local auto locksmith for a better opinion and inexpensive service.
- Get a key Finder fob for your car. Whenever you misplace the keys, open the app and locate your keys with ease. The fob creates a whistle-like sound to help the owner find the keys.
Wrapping Up
So, now you know what to do if you lose your car keys? These were the 4 common ways to get replacement car keys in case you have lost or broken your car keys. Each has its own merits but finalizing your decision will largely depend on your budget and the make and model of the car you own. However, hiring a professional and reliable auto locksmith is recommended for a number of reasons including reasonable cost, swift turn around, and expertise in working with vehicles of all models.
