| Type of Keys | Key Characteristics | Replacement Cost |
| Traditional key | A regular key used to unlock the doors a ... | Up to $50 |
| Car key fob | Has fobs as add-ons that lock and unlock ... | Less than $20 |
| Car key fob with a switchblade key | Spring-loaded key that folds into it Loo ... | Around $125 |
| Transponder key | Ignition key with a plastic head embedde ... | $200–$250 |
What should I do if I find lost car keys?
What To Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
- Traditional Car Key. The standard key used by the auto industry is purely mechanical; put it into an ignition cylinder and turn to start your car.
- Car Key Fob. The first fobs were add-ons and meant to be a convenience. ...
- Car Key Fob And Switchblade Key. ...
- Transponder Key. ...
- Smart Key. ...
What is the best way to replace lost car keys?
- Replace lost keys – If you don’t have the original key
- Cut & Copy Vehicle Keys – Provide a spare car key
- Programme Remote Car Key Fobs
- Opening Cars – Opening locked vehicles (e.g. if keys locked inside)
- Vehicle Locks – Change and repair damaged locks
- Repair keys – they can repair damaged or broken keys
What can I do if lost my only car key?
- You can go to the dealership – Most expensive option, not for emergencies
- Do it yourself – Need the tools and knowledge but still possible
- Call a locksmith – Can be there quickly, will get the job done, less expensive than dealership
How much does it cost to replace a lost car key?
In 2020, the cost of a car key replacement ranges between $75 to $300.
- Year, Make & Model of Vehicle: Much of the cost of a car key replacement is determined by the year, make and model of the vehicle. ...
- Type of Car Key or Key Fob: Many different cars require different car keys. ...
- Whether You Have a Working Key: Cost can also depend on if you currently have a working key or not. ...
Find Your Lost Car Keys With DoNotPay in a Flash
The fastest way to find your lost items is with DoNotPay. Our app can contact all the restaurants, shops, and other public places you’ve visited in your stead. You only need to answer a few questions and follow these steps:
How To Replace Lost Car Keys
Once you accept that your car keys are nowhere to be found, it’s time to get new ones. In the lost-car-keys-and-no-spare situation, you can choose between these options:
What Is the Lost Car Key Replacement Cost?
The cost of the replacement depends on the key type. You can find further details in the table below:
Everything Else DoNotPay Can Help You Find
DoNotPay is at your disposal for finding lost items in various places. You can check out our useful guides for locating missing objects in the table below:
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Retrace Your Steps
The first step in finding lost keys is retracing your steps. This sounds easy enough, but when you’re in panic mode, it can seem daunting.
Understand the Different Types of Car Keys
Knowing and understanding the differences in types of car keys is important for ensuring the process of finding or replacing them runs smoothly and seamlessly.
Can a Locksmith Make a Car Key Without the Original?
An experienced locksmith should be able to make you a car key without the original as long as it’s a traditional key. If your vehicle utilizes fobs, transponders and smart keys, you’ll have to contact the dealership to get a new device created.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Key?
There is no standard price for a replacement car key, especially considering the many different types of car keys available today.
Contact a Locksmith Near You
Now that you’re equipped with all the information you need, you can contact a local locksmith. Knowing you’ve exhausted your search, understood what type of key you have, and feel confident and the price and capability of the job, you should have little problem finding the locksmith that’s right for you.
How to Prevent Losing Your Keys
Key trackers are a modern, new way to keep track of your keys, wallet and more. These devices work via an invisible signal that’s transmitted across devices and often connects to an application on your phone.
On the Road and Lost Your Keys? Contact Roadside Assistance
In a new place and don’t know how to get to where you need to go? Nationwide offers 24/7 roadside assistance to get you back on the road with ease. To request assistance, just call 1-800-421-3535 or connect through the Nationwide Mobile app.
What to do if you lost your car key?
There is a governing body called NASTF (National Automotive Service Task Force), and their purpose is to coordinate between car manufacturers, parts suppliers, and automotive technicians (including locksmiths) to allow computer protocol information to be used in the open marketplace. This is necessary as car keys now have to be programmed to the vehicles, and so the technicians making a key must have a computer link to a vehicle and guide it to ‘learn’ a new operating key (and typically delete any lost keys as well).
How to get a car key made without the original key?
You can get a car key made without the original key. The easiest way to replace lost car keys is fora locksmith to make the car key by code using the car’s VIN number. With the VIN number, locksmiths can retrieve the original car key cuts for the car telling them how to cut the key.
How to find a good locksmith?
The best time to find a qualified auto locksmith is before you need one. By locating a good locksmith service and having the number saved in your phone now, you will have avoided the extra time to do so when you need them. Look for locksmiths who are: 1 Licensed to operate in your area and registered with any governing agencies 2 Highly rated in reviews that express positively on their company and employees 3 An A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 4 A member of The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA)
How many cuts does a car key have?
They use a subset of the cuts. Basically, say you have a car key with 8 cuts, the door lock may only use 6 of those to open the door. So there are two cuts for the ignition key that cannot be found. When this is the case, an auto locksmith can still make a key for the car even though all of the car keys are lost.
What is a certified locksmith?
A certified locksmith is an expert that has undergone the right training in order to acquire a legal license as well as certification in their area. By entrusting a genuine locksmith with your vehicle key replacement needs, you can be sure your car will have a key made by a professional that will offer secure and safe services. Many auto locksmiths also provide emergency services during extended hours, even 24 hours.
Where is the VIN number on a car?
You can find your VIN number by checking the car. It’s located on the front of the dashboard on the driver’s side near the bottom of the windshield.
Who is the #1 locksmith in Arizona?
ACME Locksmith is Arizona’s #1 Rated Locksmith. We have been performing lock and key services in Arizona for over 20 years. In that time ACME Locksmith has serviced over 100,000 customers.
What to do if car keys are lost?
If you have a modern car and your car keys are lost and have no spare, you have to contact the dealership to make new car keys and reprogram them to your car’s immobilizer system. You may have to tow the car to the dealership, ...
What to do if you lose a car key fob?
If you lose the key fob only, you can still use your vehicle. Just unlock and lock the doors for now with the traditional key. Plus, the key fobs are easy to get at any auto parts store, dealership or online because the aftermarket options can be programmed very easily. 3. Car Key Fob With Switchblade Key.
What is a transponder key?
Transponder Key. Once the 1990s hit, transponder keys became readily available. These ignition keys contain a plastic head with an integrated computer chip inside. The wireless connection between the car and key must be established before it can be used to start the vehicle.
What is a switchblade key?
Car Key Fob With Switchblade Key. If your car key fob contains a key attached to it and you lose the entire set, you will need to take a different action. The key fob contains your spring-loaded key inside of it, leaving you without a way to drive your vehicle.
Why do people leave their keys in their car?
Many people leave their keys in the vehicle unknowingly simply because of forgetfulness.
Can you order two keys at the same time?
Once you have a new key for your car, it’s time to get a spare. It’s going to be easiest just to order two keys at the same time. With your spare key, you won’t have to face this level of panic again. The next time you lose your key, you will have another on-hand to get you by until a backup spare can be purchased.
Does a smart key need to be paired to a car?
With the use of a proximity sensor, your vehicle knows when the smart key is present and will turn on. Unfortunately, this is another key type that requires a tow to the dealership when lost. The new key must be paired to your car’s computer, making the process more complicated.
What to do if you lost your car keys?
Request A Key. If you have lost your car keys and you have no spare, you will definitely have to deal with someone at a dealership or at a locksmith shop. The only way to bypass one of these venues is if you know someone that has the skills and equipment to carry the job out without charging you any fee.
What do you need to know when you lost your car keys?
The information that you provide will help them get you the right key that you will need to operate your vehicle.
What is the best key for a car?
1. Transponder Key. If you have a fairly modern car, there is a high possibility that you have a programmed transponder key coupled with a keyless entry remote, or that you only have the transponder key. Most cars that were manufactured after the late 90’s come with transponder keys.
Why is it hard to see a keyless entry remote?
The reason I say this is because the key fob replacement process is not as cheap as it is with traditional keys. 3. Traditional Car Keys.
What is a traditional car key?
Traditional car keys are the old faithful. They have been around for years and they are relatively easy to replace or duplicate. These kinds of keys are a staple in much older vehicles unless they have been retrofitted to accommodate modern technology. They do not offer much security for your car, but they are the best kind of key to own if you ever lose your key and have no spare.
What happens if you lose your car key?
In some instances, you can work your way out of a car lockout quite easily, and a huge part of that has to do with the availability of spare keys or other potential entry methods.
How much does it cost to make a new car key?
The starting cost to make a new modern car key is $120 per key . Car key programming is $85. Additional fees may apply depending on the required service. Prices will vary, but most new car keys made without an original will end up costing over $200.
Cost to Replace Different Types of Lost Car Keys
Basic Key: The classic double-edged car key has been around for ages and is still used in many vehicles. If you have a spare key at home, getting a replacement made at your local hardware store is cheap and easy – less than $10.
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.
How Can You Get Cheap Car Key Replacements?
Depending on the age and model of your car, you may be able to program a replacement yourself.
Keep a Spare Key in a Safe Place
To save yourself money and aggravation, it’s a good idea to keep a spare set of car keys. It can bring you more money, too, when you go to sell the car.
What is a chip key?
Here are four categories of key types: Transponder Key: Also known as Chip Keys, these high-tech keys have become standard for most car manufacturers.
What is a key fob?
Key Fobs: Used for remote, keyless entry, key fobs rely on radio frequencies to lock or unlock your car doors at the push of a button. These electronic remotes are sometimes also equipped with a keyless ignition system. Key fob technology is paired to your vehicle, but because the authentication technology is not present, ...
Can you use a Bluetooth tracker on a car key?
Depending on the plan you get, your subscription could give you access to towing service and vehicle locksmith services, among other benefits. You may also consider attaching a Bluetooth tracker to your keys to avoid the process of retracing your steps after you’ve lost your keys.
Can a locksmith replace a car key?
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.
Can you lose your car keys?
Needless to say, losing your car keys can be expensive, and a major hassle. However, there are things you can do to provide support in case you do lose your keys. First, it’s a good idea to have a spare set of keys as a backup. This can save you from being stranded without a car, and it can save you towing costs.
Can you replace lost 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 won’t work. Dealership: A car dealership will have the equipment and technology to replace all keys ...
Can you reprogram a key fob?
Your ability to reprogram your key technology yourself is going to depend on your car manufacturer and when your car was built . As a general guideline, you can typically program remote entry key fobs for cars made before 2012.
Who can I call to make new car keys with no spare?
Your two most likely choices are the dealership and a local auto locksmith in your local area. If the car manufacturer no longer has dealerships due to the age of the car or rarity of the vehicle, a locksmith will be your best option to replace your lost car keys.
What is the cheapest way to replace lost car keys?
In all honesty, a locksmith will be the less expensive for replacing your lost car keys, especially when you do not have a spare car key. On average, a locksmith in your local area is more likely to competitively price replacement keys to provide a more cost-effective way of replacing car keys with no spare.
Do I need to have my car towed in order to have a new car key made?
Not if you call a Locksmith Connect! Locksmith Connect can connect you with an independent mobile locksmith that can come to you and make new keys on the spot. This helps with the overall cost of service, as a dealership will almost always require towing.
What information do I need to have a car key made without a spare?
In order to get the proper replacement parts for a new key, you must have knowledge of the vehicle’s make and model, including the year it was manufactured. Besides information about the car, you must also be able to produce documentation that proves ownership.
Can a locksmith replace any lost car keys?
Yes, a locksmith can replace all lost car keys. This includes transponder keys, car key fobs, car key remotes, as well as standard metallic car keys. No matter which type of vehicle your car key pairs with, a new car key can be made without the original.
Are there any other vehicles I can get replacement keys for?
There are a whole host of other vehicles that can have new car keys cut. This includes, but is not limited to, keys for recreational vehicles, motorcycle keys, semi-trailer truck keys, scooter keys, and keys for work vans. If there is a keyway, a locksmith can make a key for it.
How much does it cost to replace lost car keys with no spare?
A lot of factors come together to inform the final price to replace car keys. Firstly, the make of the vehicle will decide the cost of replacement parts. Secondly, the complexity of the key (whether it is electronic or not) will mean that it will need to programmed and perhaps undergo some form of vehicle key cutting.