Picture this: You’re standing in a parking lot, frantically patting your pockets and digging through your bag. Your car key has vanished into thin air. That sinking feeling of panic? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Most people think losing a car key means spending thousands at the dealership, but what if I told you there’s another way?
Whether you’ve completely lost your key, broke it in the lock, or just want a spare, locksmiths can be your unexpected hero. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a new car key – without breaking the bank.
What Can a Locksmith Actually Do with Car Keys?
Let’s discuss a topic that many people don’t know about: being a locksmith. They are the individuals that most people turn to when they are in a jam and locked out of their homes.
However, many people don’t realize that today’s locksmiths are working with very high-tech tools to perform what seems like magic when it comes to modern automotive keys.
From simple metal keys to complex smart keys that are loaded with so many tech features that they almost function like a mini-computer, locksmiths can typically save the day when you’re locked out of your car.
Types of Car Keys a Locksmith Can Replace
These days, car keys come in all shapes and sizes. And while some locksmiths may only specialize in certain key types, our local locksmiths at Doctor Lock have the knowledge and experience to handle practically any key, including those that are old, new, or in between.
Here’s something people often don’t realize: Keys for both new and old models of cars are within the local locksmiths’ area of expertise, which pretty much ensures you won’t find yourself out of luck when it comes time to duplicate or repair your vehicle’s key.
How Much Will This Actually Cost?
What does this mean for your finances? It’s excellent news: locksmiths usually replace auto keys for a whole lot less than dealerships. We could be talking about savings of hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars. The average key replacement at a locksmith can set you back anywhere from $50 to $250. (Car key insurrections tend to run anywhere from $100 to $250 and up, depending on your car and the locksmith.)
Meanwhile, car dealerships will hit you with prices ranging from $300 to over $500 for the same job—sometimes even more than that if your key is particularly high-tech or “smart.”
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When Should You Call a Locksmith vs. the Dealership?
Not every major issue demands a costly visit to the automobile dealership. Let’s analyze when the car locksmith is your best option. If you’ve misplaced a regular key, require a duplicate, or have a fairly new vehicle that uses a standard transponder key, the locksmith is often your quickest and cheapest route to getting a new key made.
They can usually do it on-site and right then and there, with what seems like a minimal-to-reasonable hardware-store amount of time and money going out of your pocket. At the same time, however, if you’ve got a much newer vehicle with a very complex and unbreakable security system, a trip to the dealer may be necessary.
What to Expect During a Car Key Replacement?
A typical process for replacing keys when a locksmith is contacted starts with the customer showing proof of ownership. The most common forms of this are vehicle registration and a driver’s license. Once the locksmith knows you’re really you and that you really own the car, they will need to know your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
Most professional locksmiths can complete a key replacement (even for a key that was never made from a key mold) in 1-2 hours. Though, if your car was made with a more complex locking system, factor in 2-3 hours.
Usually, they will employ specialized programming gear to match the new key with your vehicle’s computer system. For transponder keys, this means crafting an electronic signature that corresponds to your car’s unique security code. It’s not quite the same, but creating the keys is somewhat analogous to making a digital fingerprint that only your specific key can use to start the engine.
Expert advice: Always store a spare key securely. Numerous locksmiths suggest this practice to prevent the need for emergent key replacement. Some even provide a service that can obviate the stressful situation of a missing key in the future.
One last recommendation: select a trustworthy, licensed locksmith with solid reviews. Check out our Google Maps location to see why we’re the top choice for car key services. The ideal professional can make a possibly anxiety-inducing key replacement seem like a breeze.
Losing a car key isn’t the end of the world. With the right locksmith, you can get back on the road quickly and without emptying your wallet. The key (pun totally intended) is knowing your options and working with a trusted professional.
Pro Tips for the Reader: Always have a spare key, keep your vehicle’s information handy, and research locksmiths before you actually need one. A final note of reassurance: Take a deep breath. This is totally fixable, and you’ve got this.
