Replacing Your Car Key Without the Original: What You Need to Know

Losing your car key can be a nightmare, but you don't have to panic. There are many options for locksmith services in the event of an emergency, such as a lock or the need for new keys. You can still purchase a replacement key if you lost the original one. You may have the option of returning to the dealer for a replacement, however, this can be very expensive, especially if you need your vehicle towed to your dealership location.

A cheaper option is to hire the services of a car locksmith. In fact, many dealers use the services of outside locksmiths to replace keys, and many locksmiths can cut and program the exact same key for 50% less cost than a dealer. If you have a traditional key, a locksmith can make you a replacement key without having to hand over the original one on the spot. If you have a more technologically advanced wrench, you'll probably have to have a tow truck go to a dealer and ask them for a replacement. If that's the case, be prepared to prove that you own the vehicle, such as registration, title, or purchase documentation. If you lost your car key and don't have the original one, visiting an automotive locksmith may be an affordable option.

Most car locksmiths know all types of keys and have the skills, knowledge, and experience to manufacture them. When the initial panic goes away and your rational brain takes control, you'll begin to wonder what to do when you lose your car keys. If you want to change the keys to a car quickly, a trusted locksmith can do this using the key code, which can be searched along with the VIN number. A new key may be more expensive if you have a new car with an electronic key or other specialized key. If you want a keychain and a razor-style key, you'll need to take your car to the dealer and order a replacement one directly from the dealer.

That's why losing your car key or breaking it in the ignition or lock can seem like a nightmare. If you need a more technologically advanced key, such as a keychain, an automatic key fob, a transponder key or a smart key, call the roadside assistance service and not a locksmith. In that case, you don't need to replace the remote, but if you want, you can buy a keychain online and program it yourself. On top of that, an automotive locksmith could program your replacement key fob if that's the problem. If this is the case, you will have to reprogram your car in such a way that the old keys no longer work.

Transponder keys have an element that connects wirelessly to the car, and the engine will only start if that connection is established and the key is in the ignition, as in a traditional key. If you've lost your car keys or need to replace them for any reason, there are several options available. You may be able to return to your dealer for replacement keys but this can be expensive and time-consuming. Alternatively, hiring an automotive locksmith is often much cheaper and faster than going through your dealer. Locksmiths can cut and program traditional keys without needing access to your original one.

They can also program more technologically advanced keys such as transponder keys or smart keys.

Sophie Boucher Girard
Sophie Boucher Girard

Student. Unapologetic entrepreneur. Hardcore zombie nerd. Infuriatingly humble bacon buff. Typical zombie scholar.

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