Car Key Replacement Inglewood

Let’s suppose you have gotten ready to head off to your office, stepped out to the garage to unlock your car, rumbled through your pocket to find your keys (you are sure you had them in there) until you realize it’s not there. Car Key Replacement Inglewood: it is easier than you think! 

Losing your only key can be extremely stressful, especially if you use your car for your daily commute and don’t have anyone else to assist you. But it isn’t your fault! It actually happens to a lot more people than you think. 

Now, what to do if you lose your car keys? How to get a replacement car key without the original?

Can Your Car Key Be Replaced Without The Original?

The real question is can you replace car keys without the original? Yes, you can! Most modern-day locksmiths have the tools and the technology to replace your car key without the original. There are two ways you can get your car keys replaced; each has its own benefits. These include: 

• Checking with your local dealership
• Hiring a locksmith

We will be going over the procedure for each and how long they take. We will also answer how much does a new car key cost. But before that, you need to understand the prerequisites for car key replacement. 

Prerequisites for Car Key Replacement

Since you won’t be having your original key on you, here is what you will need to keep in order:

What Car Do You Drive?

First things first, note down the car you drive. Your key is built according to the car you drive, not the other way around.  There are several keys available in the market today, they differ in the way they are created and function, and similarly, there are a variety of cars out there. You want the key that fits YOUR car. 

To get your key replaced, you want to make sure you have the make of the car, model of the car, year, car registration, and VIN (vehicle identification number) listed. 

What Type Of Key Do You Need Replaced?

The next is also pretty obvious, what kind of key do you need replaced? As mentioned earlier, there are a number of key types out there, so you will have to be specific. New cars come with fob keys now, but you will probably need a more traditional, mechanically cut key if you have an old model. Each can be pricey depending on the car model and the tools needed to replace it. 

• Fob keys can be cheap; you can place them at about $50, but if you are going for more luxury brands such as Audis or Mercedes, you will have to pay a lot more (around $500 or so). 

• Your new fob key will also require programming, which will also cost you money; the average estimates fall to around $50-$250. Some keys can’t be programmed from anywhere but the dealership or original car manufacturers, so you will be stuck paying a hefty price. However, having the assistance of a skilled locksmith or a professional can aid you without involving your local dealership. 

• It’s also suggested to check if your car insurance covers your lost or damaged keys. That being said, you need to identify the type of key you have (mechanical, laser-cut, fob key, smart key, etc.) and then move on to the actual key replacement. 

Prove Your Car Ownership

Next, you need to prove the ownership of your car. This one has more legal purposes. Usually, your registration and title will do this quite nicely. Also, make sure you have your car reprogrammed if your car smart keys were stolen in case someone tries to use the old keys on your car. 

Now, let’s discuss what to do when you lose your car keys.

Ways for Car Key Replacement in Inglewood without the Original 

Now that you have the preliminaries set, here’s how to get a replacement car key without the original: 

Check with Your Local Dealership

The first way involves your local dealership, the same one you originally purchased the car from. One thing you need to know right off the bat is that most car dealers will hire a locksmith to replace your key, so it’s suggested you contact a locksmith yourself and save the time, energy, and money a dealership will cost you. 

However, if you have purchased a high-end car in the last five years, it’s likely they used programming you can’t easily replicate, so going to a locksmith will be ineffective. 

Some car brands such as Audi also state that new car keys from anywhere besides Audi themselves will not work with their cars. The same applies to nearly all European cars in general. 

How Long Does It Take?

It usually doesn’t take that long to have your car keys replaced in general, even if you don’t have the original. Most dealers will take 15-30 minutes to replace your car fob key (reprogramming included). Having a mechanically cut key replaced may take a bit longer, but nothing over 1-2 hours. 

Hire an Emergency Locksmith 

The second method involves eliminating the middleman (the dealer) and contacting a professional emergency locksmith yourself. In order to have a key replaced without the original, it is best to hire a professional since they have the tools and expertise necessary to do the job right. If you do happen to find the right locksmith, you will be saving up a lot of money; most will also be able to reprogram your fob key (if that’s the key you need replaced). 

Not only can a locksmith cut and program a new car for you, but they can also create an entirely new key based on your car’s ignition. A good locksmith will also be able to come to you to get the job done so you won’t have to tow your car to your dealership (another way hiring a locksmith can be cost-effective!). 

They also provide car key battery replacement services for electronic car keys.

How Long Does Locksmith Car Keys Making Take?

Creating a new car key can take around 20-45 minutes; it usually varies according to the type of key you need replaced. On the rare occasion that your locksmith does not have the blank key in stock, they can easily order one for you and have it delivered for replacement. 

Where to Get a Car Key Replacement in Inglewood, CA?

Now you know how to get a replacement car key without the original but replacing your car key without the original is the work of a professional, so you will need to find the right one. 

If you are looking to hire a professional locksmith from Inglewood, California, consider contacting Master Key Replacement car locksmith Inglewood. Master Key Replacement offers professional car key replacement, residential locksmith, automotive locksmith, and commercial locksmith services in LA and has the necessary tools and expertise to help get the job done right. 

Not only will we save your money and time that would otherwise be wasted at a dealership, but we will also help you be on your way in no time!