Car keys are one of those items that always seem lost. Lost at the bottom of luggage left at the airport, stolen or simply lost is often the fate of the car keys we desperately need. Losing your car keys, especially if you lose your only copy, is very stressful.
So, this is going to be useful. Let us dive deeper into the question, of where to get car keys made.
Getting a car key can cost anywhere from $5 to $500, plus an additional $50 to $100 if the car key needs to be programmed.
It’s much cheaper and faster to go to a locksmith or an auto body shop to get your car keys rather than relying on your auto dealership. Plus, if you go to a locksmith or an auto body shop you might get a replacement on the same day.
Though it might seem pretty straightforward, the answer to the question, where to get car keys made, is much more complicated. There are a few more factors that you need to know before getting your car keys cloned.
When it comes to high-tech keychains with transponders and transmitting chips, it’s hard to believe that the word “tag” has been used for centuries.
In the 19th century, when we wore pocket watches instead of car keys, the term “fob” referred to the small decorative fobs that adorned watch chains. Modern keychains have graced our key bunches and we have this little gadget.
But if your car keys are broken, lost, or stolen, can you program the car keys yourself? Replacing the handle alone can be expensive, and then there’s the added cost of programming the fob to communicate with your car.
Knowing what type of keychain your vehicle needs is very important when it comes to keychain programming.
You might be wondering why are we only talking about key fobs. Why aren’t we mentioning the old school keys?
The way these are made is pretty simple. You simply copy the structure of the existing key and cut a new one out of metal to match the exact shape. Basic ignition keys of pre-1981 vehicles can be replaced at a locksmith, hardware store, or automotive store.
So, they are far less complex and outdated compared to modern key fobs.
It is an electronic device in a hard plastic case that provides keyless access to your car, truck, or SUV within a certain distance. The remote control key fob is battery-operated and must be programmed for use with your car.
If it is lost or damaged, you can always contact a professional locksmith to replace the key fob. The new one requires onboard programming to work like the original.
Even if you have a remote control keychain, you will need a separate key to start the car. The remote control sends infrared signals at the push of a button, whether you have a truck or an SUV. The availability of transponders depends on the make and model of your car.
The transponder also needs to be programmed to work smoothly with your car. This allows your vehicle to start after the introduction of the transponder.
This is a car key with a giant plastic head encased in a plastic case. In addition to locking or unlocking your car, the remote key combination can, at the touch of a button, open the trunk, open or close the sunroof, raise or lower the windows within a certain distance.
With this key, you can open or close the sliding door or lifting door.
This lock is battery-operated and needs to be programmed or added to your car’s memory. Programming is done via onboard programming or by connecting diagnostic equipment to the vehicle’s OBD2 port.
However, you have to use the metal key underneath when you start the car. Combination radio switches have no transponders and require no programming.
This too has the same design. The plastic head is encased in another plastic case. The cover also contains the remote control, transponder, and battery. Most transponders do not run on batteries because they are powered when they are inserted into the ignition of the car.
With this remote control combination, you can lock or unlock your car. But you can also use it for purposes such as opening the trunk, raising or lowering windows, opening or closing the sunroof.
To use this button, you must be in the specified area and press the appropriate button. With this key, you can open or close sliding doors or elevator doors on SUVs and minivans. The key must be programmed or added to the vehicle’s memory for it to be recognized.
In addition, the transponder must be programmed in the vehicle in order to function properly.
They work like any other key fob to lock or unlock a car, raise or lower windows, open the trunk, open or close the sunroof. Smart Keys can also right-click to start your car.
However, unlike other key fobs, the smart key can also function when left in a bag or pocket. You just need to touch the sensor to lock or unlock the door or open the trunk.
With the smart lock in your pocket or bag, swing your foot under your car’s sensors to slide the door or open or close the trunk door. This is useful when your hands are full of groceries. If you press the start button in the car or turn the ignition key, the engine will start.
Smart key programming is only possible by connecting the diagnostic tool to the vehicle’s OBD2 port. Each smart key has an emergency lock that can be removed by sliding the cover. This is useful for locking or unlocking the car when the handle doesn’t work.
This single unit features a simple cut or laser cut ignition key that folds into the handle. If the ignition handle is damaged, you can get a replacement key without having to replace the handle. However, if the handle is broken or the entire device is lost, you will need a new key fob.
You cannot program the keychain yourself. Replacing a flip key fob will cost anywhere from $80 to $400 or more, depending on the complexity of the fob and the automaker. This price includes the cost of the agent or locksmith program.
Now to the primary question, where to get car keys made?
This is usually the cheapest because an auto locksmith has all the tools to replace all types of locks as well as for most vehicle manufacturer models. For example, some garages charge only for the use of the diagnostic software used to program car keys.
Since most offer mobile companion apps (they can visit you) and auto locksmiths are experts in vehicle lock and key, they will be the fastest. Some car locksmiths sometimes bring in key programmers worth over $100,000, they can replace keys for almost any make and model of car.
Car keys are sometimes not covered by insurance companies and whether your policy will cover you may depend on certain circumstances. Each insurance company has different terms. Also, keep in mind that getting insurance can affect your no-claims bonus and can cost you money in the long run.
Some offer key insurance as a premium addition, where they can replace your keys, but this is usually the extra you pay on top of your car insurance. Other insurance companies offer self-coverage, although some don’t cover issues like stolen vehicle keys.
Some roadside assistance services may be able to assist, but this may depend on the type of vehicle key you need to replace and the equipment the roadside assistance service has in your vehicle. Depending on whether the Roadside assistance service has the correct lock code, you could have a long wait.
For this reason, auto locksmiths are usually the quickest choice due to the large number of expensive vehicle diagnostics and key-coding equipment they carry.
Many breakdown services use automatic locksmiths to get the job done, so going straight to a locksmith is the cheapest option. They may also not have the expertise of a car locksmith to handle certain locks and types of locks.
Getting you replaced at the dealership is also an option that you have. But getting them replaced at the dealership can be costly. They charge premium costs. Some dealerships charge you the premium cost and outsource the job to a local automotive store.
So, you need to be aware when getting keys made by the dealership.
If your key is lost and you don’t have the original to clone, there is a chance that the dealership would be a better option. Some dealerships retain a copy of the key or means to code a copy. But this is not available in every dealership.
The final option is a garage near you, although this can be expensive because most garages are equipped with diagnostic equipment. Garages may not have special key-encoding equipment in place that car locksmiths carry.
It may also be very difficult for you to find a garage that can actually replace and program new car keys as this is a very specialized field and therefore probably not the best option if you are in a hurry.
A car key is no longer an ordinary ignition key, simply cut or laser cut of the 1980s and 1990s. Ignition keys are available for replacement or duplication for about $3 to $7 at most locksmiths, hardware stores, or auto dealers.
With modern keys, the cost of getting new keys is astronomical compared to the old days. It doesn’t matter where you get your car keys made, it will cost you.
Today’s electronic keys can cost up to $500 or more. Smart keys are among the most expensive type of key fobs to replace. So, keep them safe.
There is always a nearby option with which to make car keys near you. Choosing the right place to make non-original car keys is not always difficult. You just need to take the time to weigh all the options you have and choose one that is guaranteed to help you make a new car key.
The cost of making a new car key without the original is often the deciding factor for most drivers. In many ways, the cost of making a new car key is on par with the cost of any other car locksmith.
You still have other options as mentioned earlier. Having a locksmith do this job can save you more money. There’s also the added bonus that most locksmiths are mobile locksmiths, which allows them to meet you conveniently at your location and help you create new car keys.
There are steps to this process.
Before you call a locksmith or car dealer, you need to find out what keys you have. Handling this initial step will help simplify the whole process and make it easier for you to get help. The car key is linked to the vehicle you are driving.
However, because all vehicles are made differently, all car keys are also made differently. For example, if you want to change your Toyota car keys, the Prius replacement keys are not the same as a 20th century Toyota Corolla.
Before you get involved, you no longer need to have the original set of keys to know what type of car key it is. You just need to find out if your car uses a traditional mechanical key, a transponder key, or a car keychain.
You need to make sure that you know which car key is the best for your car. With this knowledge, you are not only arming yourself for the right car keys but also no additional services are overlooked.
Once you understand the type of lock that is paired with your car, the next step is to choose a replacement solution. As we said above, there are several ways drivers can generate new car keys. These range from self-reliance to a do-it-yourself approach, setting up appointments with car dealers, and even calling a locksmith.
Keep in mind that your decision will depend on many different factors, including the cost and how quickly you need to make a new car key.
After choosing the option to replace the car keys without the original, you will need to gather some information related to your car and the corresponding car keys, but we will talk about that later. and even calling a locksmith.
Price is the most important factor for most car owners. So it often happens that motorists choose the most cost-effective solution, which is usually an auto locksmith. This does not mean that you should not go to the dealer if you feel more comfortable.
Once you’ve made your decision, you need to make sure you have all the information you need to make your new car keys. This step should be done to ensure that the locksmith or car dealer knows the car keys they are going to make.
To make a car key without a genuine one, you will need to use your VIN (vehicle identification number), which is relatively easy to identify. As mentioned earlier, the process is not complicated at all.
All it takes is to have the right tools in the right places, and in this case, you just need to make sure that you are provided with a VIN and proof of ownership. The VIN can be found easily by checking your dashboard or engine compartment.
However, if you’re having trouble finding the numbers, let the professionals do the work.
The vehicle identification number makes it easy to determine which key fits your vehicle, which in turn makes it easier to create a new car key without the original. Locksmiths have access to information about car key codes, which is useful when the original car keys are damaged or lost.
Dealers also have access to this information if needed. Armed with the correct identification number, cutting a car key to a code without the original one becomes a lot easier.
Once you have all the necessary information and have taken it to a car dealer or locksmith, all you have to do is wait patiently to receive your new working car keys. You need to know that the process of getting a car key that is produced without the original one takes a little longer than other car key replacement processes.
The process takes longer on the locksmith’s part as the locksmith will need to use your VIN to search the vehicle database to get the keys just for you. If the original existed, it would be as simple as duplicating the car keys and moving on.
Be sure to ask your car locksmith or car dealer if your new replacement car key needs to be programmed for your car. Remote control keys are used for most modern vehicles and they must be paired accordingly.
Here are some common questions regarding where to get car keys made.
Everybody knows that an auto locksmith’s job is to get them back into their car even if they don’t have the keys, but some people think that this causes your door to get damaged. But, that is not true the first thing locksmiths learn is opening doors so safely without a key.
So, you’ll be just fine because getting a locksmith can get you into your car without any lasting damage to your vehicle’s door or lock.
First does Autozone copy car keys? Yes, it does. So, how much does it cost?
Specializing in key manufacturing for almost every make and model, AutoZone is truly a one-stop shop for all your car key needs. If your vehicle is over 20 years old, you can do a regular key cut for your car and it will cost you between $2.50 and $6.00.
Any vehicle that has keyless theft and keyless entry is more susceptible to theft than a vehicle without both.
Instead, Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and some other manufacturers have added motion sensors to their keyless fobs, preventing them from sending a code if they haven’t moved for a while.
When you buy a new car from a dealer, the dealer usually provides two keys. However, when you buy a used car from a dealer, the dealer doesn’t have to give you two keys.
Used cars don’t always have spare keys for several reasons. The previous owner might have had the key stolen or lost. So, the owner might not have provided an additional key to the dealership.
It is important to ask the dealer for a spare key before signing off on a used car sale. You may need to negotiate to add a spare key. However, make sure the inclusion of a spare key is included in your purchase agreement before signing for a used vehicle or posting a deposit.
In case of a loss, You can contact a locksmith who will come and have a new key made for you on-site. In some cases, that is in some unusual or older vehicles, a locksmith may not be able to help. You may need to purchase a new lock cylinder and ignition from a dealer or independent repair shop.
All car keys need to be cut in a certain way to turn the ignition cylinder. Blank car keys are uncut keys that haven’t been programmed. Key blanks can be purchased online. You need to have the key cut and reprogrammed before you can use it.
Although key blanks are cheaper, you should understand that if you buy key blanks, you will have to go to a locksmith to cut and program them.
There is no denying that modern locks are expensive. The best defense against this is a good offense. It’s better to get a spare key on your own terms now than to stress and spend money on something that might be urgent.
Finally, if you think you’re lucky and want to tempt fate with only one set of keys, consider this if you lose all your car keys, you’ll have to tow it and then replace keys plus while you wait to get the replacement you can’t use your car, which can all cost you up to $1,000. It is better to be safe than sorry.
