Losing a car key is a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are several options for replacing a car key that won’t break the bank.

Generally speaking, an auto locksmith is your best bet when it comes to getting a new car key. However, you may need to supply some information.

Locks

The type of lock that your car has will affect how quickly and easily a locksmith can replace your key. Older cars may still use standard locks while newer models will often have remote locking systems that require special key fobs to operate. The locksmith will need to know the type of key you have, as well as the year it was made. This information will help them figure out which code to pull from the car to create a replacement. They will also need your VIN number to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle.

Breaking a car key off in your ignition, trunk or door is a frustrating experience. If this occurs, a reputable locksmith will be able to remove the broken piece affordably without causing any further damage. They can also rekey your lock to render old keys useless, if necessary. This involves changing the etchings on the key blade to match those on the lock cylinder.

Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing a car key or having it stolen was no big deal. People often had spares tucked away in their pocket or attached to the car, and getting a replacement was relatively inexpensive and quick.

Now, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it can be quite a bit more expensive to replace a lost car key or fob. The make and model of your vehicle is a major factor in the price of a new car key, and so are other things such as whether you have a remote start, VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) or regular transponder keys.

It’s important to compare quotes before choosing a tradesperson. This will help you find someone who charges fair prices and won’t add extra costs later on. Also, always check that a locksmith is insured. This is a must-have for any tradesperson, and it’s especially important to have insurance when they’re working on your home or car.

Fobs

Many cars that are newer come with a fob, which is an electronic device that allows drivers to open the car doors without having to insert a key into the lock. Some fobs also control the ignition. Some people are tempted to get their key fob copied online rather than calling a locksmith or a dealership but this can be dangerous and may not work.

The type of fob that is used in a vehicle has a major impact on the price of replacing a key. Fobs that have transponder chips, which are programmed to a specific vehicle, can be more expensive to replace than non-transponder key fobs.

A spring-loaded fob that folds in like a switchblade can be the most costly to replace as well, as these types of fobs have to be reprogrammed by a locksmith. This is because these types of fobs can have features that don’t always work properly, which requires additional time and effort to fix.

Programming

The key programming process is a crucial step in getting your car keys to work properly. It involves inserting the new key into the ignition and turning it on until the security light shuts off or a dashboard readout indicates that the key is now being used.

This is a process that requires special tools and the knowledge of how to access your vehicle’s onboard computer system. This is why it’s often best left to a professional locksmith.

Most modern car keys have a computer chip inside of them. This chip communicates with your vehicle’s systems and has to be programmed so it knows that the key is the correct one for it to start. This is another reason why it’s best to leave this task to a professional car key replacement locksmith. Trying to do it yourself can result in damage or other problems that might make things even more difficult to fix down the road.