Replacement Car Key Without The Original: Have you ever lost a car key? Of course, you did! Well, you know that totally stressful feeling right? If the key is lost or somehow damaged, finding a replacement fast could be a tough task. Still, this is definitely something doable, isn’t it?
It will give you practical advice and insights to help you smooth out the replacement. So, what’s the wait? Let’s get into it!
How To Get A Replacement Car Key Without The Original?
What’s perhaps less obvious is that a new cut key is seldom a simple service – a modern car key is a complicated device that serves to keep cars as secure as possible, and may have an electronic component that typically allows remote functions. This means that a replacement is a higher-effort service for newer cars than it is for older cars.
Now, let’s get into the solutions!
It’s Time to Gather Necessary Documentation
So, Lost your car keys and Now you don’t know what to do? The first reasonable step is to gather all necessary documentation of your car. This includes:
Proof of Ownership
Anything that can prove that it’s your car. It can be registration or any other document.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
You can find it on the dashboard, or on the left side of the windscreen, or on a door frame to the left of the driver’s seat. Without a VIN, you can never identify your car.
Any Form of Identification
This can include a valid driver’s license.
You will also need to provide details about your type of car and brand. All this information is needed, because as soon as you get to a locksmith, he will start by making sure that you are the rightful owner of the car. This is to prevent grand theft auto.
Contact A Professional
There is no at-home shortcut solution to this problem, so contacting a professional is unavoidable. But you have two options here. You can either contact your dealership or your locksmith.
Dealerships have access to manufacturer specifications and can handle complex keys like smart and remote keys.
That’s bad enough, but the real shocker is that the car dealership will charge you a lot for a new key, and pay the programming cost can be very high. It might be weeks before you get your new key, and the dealer gets to choose when the programming happens.
The other option is to call an experienced locksmith. Make sure that he is experienced in repairing or replacing the type of car key that you possess to avoid problems due to incompatibility arising from different key types.
An experienced locksmith is your best, most affordable and convenient bet.
Most of the locksmiths will provide their service in a mobile way so you are not going to do anything except just call the locksmith numbers that you want and you are not going to get out from your home since your locksmith will land up directly at your place.
So, What is Your Key Type? Let me Explain
All cars don’t have a same type of keys for opening either. If you do know the type of key you have, then you can get the replacement key without any hassle. If not, then it will be hard for you to get replacement key from locksmith. So its very important to ask the locksmith you are calling, is he an expert in replacing the keys you have in your cars. Here below are 4 basic types of key cars.
Basic Mechanical Key
These keys are used in older model cars, most likely manufactured before the 1980s. They don’t have any electronic components, just a cut metal key. Locksmiths can handle these types of keys without an issue.
Transponder Key
This key has a microchip integrated inside that sends signals to the car’s ignition system. This chip must be correctly programmed for the car’s engine to start. Car dealerships have access to these chips, so they can easily program them into the replacement key. But this might cost a fortune. Most modern locksmiths have the equipment needed to program these keys at a much lower price!
Remote Key
This key is a combination of a key and a remote. You can use it to lock/unlock your car and open the trunk. It contains remote features. You can get another one from a dealership, but that could take you lots of time and money. Usually, an experienced locksmith might have the key fob programmed and replaced.
Smart Key
These keys allow unlocking and starting without the physical insertion of the key. They use wireless technology, which is mostly present in recent cars. As these are present in relatively newer models, it is recommended to visit the dealership for them. It might be a high cost, but it will ensure that the key is fully integrated with the car’s system.
Let’s Evaluate the Cost of your New Car Key
Losing your car key can also put a dent in your pocket. If you have an older model with a traditional car key, your replacement might cost around 7 to 8 dollars. But for the replacement of transponder keys, remote keys, or smart keys, you could be expected to pay anything between 200 dollars and 300 dollars, maybe even more, depending on your area.
Test It Out
The task isn’t over. Its time to check if the key you just received is working or not. If you are working with a smart key or a remote key, check compatibility with other features. If you notice any issues, contact the dealership or locksmith right away. Driving a car with an incompatible key can cause extreme damage.
Best way is to Prevent this situation in the future
Should something like this not happen again in the future, you must ensure that you either get a duplicate made so that you have one in reserve. Alternatively, you should get a key-tracking device so that you don’t lose your keys and experience this problem again.
FAQs
Do Locksmiths Make Car Keys?
Locksmiths provide various services, ranging from residential or commercial key duplication to safely mounting a house. They also manage door maintenance and installation. On top of everything else, locksmiths also provide key car repair and replacement services. So, if you’ve lost your car key, your local locksmith might be able to get your hands on a new one!
How Do I Get A Key Made For My Car?
So if you need a new car key because you lost your key or as a spare key for shared car driving or any other reason, you can contact a dealership to ask for a duplicated car key or a locksmith.
I Have Lost my Car Keys. What To Do?
If you’ve lost your car keys, this is what you can do:
- Gather any necessary documentation
- Contact a professional (a dealership or a locksmith)
- Understand your car key type
- Evaluate the cost
- Once you’ve received the key, test it out and report in case of an issue.
Conclusion
Losing your car keys might seem impossible because you didn’t think you would do it, however, don’t worry because you can have your replacement car key without an original key by calling a locksmith or a dealership, but before that, you have to gather your papers and get familiar with your different types of key.
Just by a few simple steps, you’ll get your hands on your replacement car key.
The main issue arises on what choice to make: dealership or locksmith? The answer depends on your key type. If you can find a locksmith who is well-versed in your key type, that’s the practical and budget-friendly option. But if not, contact your dealership because, despite the higher cost, they will give you a car key that is 100% compatible with your car. Hopefully, this article answers your question..
I’m Abuzar, a professional locksmith with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I have a diploma in Locksmithing and Security Technology, as well as advanced certifications in Electronic Access Control and Safe Engineering. My expertise spans traditional locks to modern security systems, and I’m passionate about providing reliable locksmith solutions for residential, commercial, and automotive needs. Whether it’s installing, repairing, or upgrading lock systems, I’m dedicated to delivering high-quality services to ensure the safety and security of my clients.
