Most modern car keys are three keys in one – a mechanical key to release the steering lock, an electronic transponder chip for ignition, and a key that unlocks the car’s doors. Show
As car keys now contain complicated pieces of tech, replacing lost, broken, or stolen keys can be expensive and time-consuming. In this article, we’ll take you through the best, quickest, and most cost-effective methods to go about getting new or replacement keys made up for your car.
How to get replacement car keysYou should first check your car insurance documents to see if you have signed up for key cover – as many policies offer this as a premium add-on. However, if you do claim on your insurance, it is worth bearing in mind that it may affect your no claims bonus – so, it might cost you more in the long term. If you do not have key cover, you could try getting your car keys replaced at a local garage. However, this can end up being expensive as most typically charge for using their diagnostic equipment. Few garages will have the specialist key-coding equipment on site – and will be unable to replace and program new car keys. So, it can also take a long time. Going to your vehicle’s franchised dealership may sound like your safest bet, but it is often the most expensive option – and, oddly enough, it might also take the longest time. It is likely that your dealership will have to order a blank key and then send it away to be programmed. Which is often a drawn-out and costly process.  You could call your vehicle breakdown service – however, it really does depend on what type of car you drive and if your breakdown service has the correct key-coding equipment. Typically, the quickest and least expensive way to get replacement keys made up for your car is via an auto locksmith. Not only will they have equipment to replace car keys for most makes and models of car, but most will offer a mobile service – meaning that they will come to you. As they do usually have all this equipment within their mobile units, auto locksmiths can usually programme new keys and delete old (lost) keys that no longer work in a single visit. As well as providing new keys, auto locksmiths can also programme remote key fobs, open locked car doors, and change and repair damaged locks. How to get replacement car keys without the originalIf you’ve lost, broken, or had your car keys stolen – and have no spare set – it might seem like you’re in a tight spot – but you don’t really need to panic. The best thing to do if you find yourself in this position is to contact an auto locksmith. Typically, you will need to provide the auto locksmith with the following information:
Most auto locksmiths will be able to fix all types of remote car keys and non-remote transponder keys. Remote car keys will usually come in the following types:
Most cars manufactured since 1995 have had transponder chips built into them that are programmed specifically for the car. Non-remote transponder cars have no remote central locking and no remote-control functions on the key. These are keys that you need to use to open the car’s doors and start the ignition. Therefore, if you lose a transponder-style car key, you will not be able to turn the ignition – and, consequently, your car will not start. So, you will need a replacement transponder chip. How much does a car key replacement cost?Well, it depends. Prices will usually be contingent on where you go to get your car keys replaced, but will also depend on the following factors:
Costs range from as little as £25 to many thousands of pounds, depending on how prestige your car might be. To get a replacement key made for a BMW i8, for example, will cost around £1,000. Whereas the ‘Diamond key’ used in top-of-the-range Bentleys will typically cost around £8,000 to replace. However, according to recent research by the website Checkatrade, the average cost of a car key replacement in the UK is £252. Should I get a spare car key if I want to sell my car?If you’re selling your car – and you’ve lost, broken, or had one of your car keys stolen – it can be a good idea to have a new car key made up, as having only one set of keys can have a serious impact on your car’s resale value. However, this may require some number-crunching, as it’s probably only worth investing the money to get a spare key made up for your car if the cost of replacing it is likely to be covered by the higher price you’ll get for selling a car with two keys. Usually, if you have a fairly new car – purchased within the last decade – that had a high sticker price when you bought it, it is worth investing in a new car key if you have had one lost, broken, or stolen – as having two sets of keys is desirable and will generally result in a faster sale and higher sale price. If you look at online car sales, most vehicle profiles will include the fact that they have ‘two sets of keys’ as standard as it is a known selling point – and buyers are often wary of profiles that don’t mention the number of car keys for precisely this reason. When it comes to selling your car, if you’ve only got one key for it, it can often be worthwhile having a duplicate made from that key. It’s usually a quick and simple process too – in fact, most auto locksmiths can do it for you while you wait. When it comes to car sales, small investments on the side of the seller often make a big difference to the price you’ll achieve for the car – and very often the cost of having a duplicate key made up is a top tip for selling a car as it’s an investment that will pay for itself. Need more informationNeed more info on selling, or not sure what the best route is? Thankfully we’ve got a ton of guides covering every topic you could think of, from trading your car in to cleaning it before you say goodbye.
How do I get a second key fob for my car?You have two possible key fob replacement options: a car dealership and a locksmith. The most obvious option is to contact your car dealership. Unfortunately, a car dealership will often contact a locksmith to replace the keys you brought to them and turn around and charge you.
Can I get a key made from the VIN number?Most vehicles in the United States from 1990 and up have key codes that are saved on file with the manufactures. As long as you can prove ownership of your vehicle a car key can be made with the Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN number. Once a key code is pulled from the VIN number a car key can be cut.
How can I get a key made for my car without a key?Go to an automotive locksmith
An automotive locksmith can create a new key that works with your specific vehicle. On top of that, an automotive locksmith may be able to program your replacement key fob if that's the issue.
Does AutoZone make extra keys?No appointments are necessary and we offer keys for a wide range of vehicles including Chrysler Ford GM Nissan Toyota and more. The keys are duplicated accurately and the cuts are digitally verified before you leave the store. So why stress out about having only one car key when AutoZone is key.
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How do i get another key for my car
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