How Can a Locksmith Help with a Lost Car Key?
Last updated on July 19th, 2024 at 07:48 am
While losing your car keys is never ideal, it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times. Perhaps you’re already running late for work. You could have had them on you while you were out somewhere, and now they’re nowhere to be found.
Your heart starts to sink as you begin to retrace your steps, realizing that your car keys are gone. Even worse, you don’t have a spare set. Now what will you do?
Finding out that you’ve lost your car keys is an unpleasant discovery and adds to your overstressed feelings. However, try to stay calm and remember there are ways to solve your dilemma.
Luckily, you have two options you can choose from – either call your car dealership or contact a locksmith that provides automotive services. Be advised that calling the dealership isn’t the best choice since it will take longer and cost a lot more.
On the other hand, calling a locksmith means they will come to you, and they’ll be there quickly. They can then help you get back into your car and on the road.
When you call a car key locksmith in Melbourne, FL, be ready to tell them what kind of car keys you lost so they can help.
Types of Car Keys That a Locksmith Can Replace
To replace your car keys using a locksmith, they’ll need to know what kind of key you have. Here are the most common types of car keys that locksmiths can replace:
Smart Key
Smart keys make it very easy to lock, unlock, and start your vehicle. These types of keys don’t go into an ignition. They simply allow the car to start by being inside of the vehicle when you press the ignition button. While it is a technologically advanced key that contains many components, a locksmith can replace it.
Remote Key
Remote keys are similar to smart keys in that they are also complex to replace. But thankfully, a professional locksmith has the skills needed.
Transponder Key
Transponder car keys are even more advanced as they have a chip in the key handle. This is an excellent theft deterrent, but if you lose it, a locksmith will need to cut a key and program it.
Traditional Car Key
Traditional or mechanical car keys are the easiest kinds of keys for a locksmith to replace. If you have an older model car, it’s likely that you have this kind of key.
Is It Expensive to Replace a Lost Car Key?
The cost of your car key replacement will depend on the type of key you need. Some will cost more than others. If you have one of the latest styles of keys, you’re going to pay more than someone with a traditional set of car keys. However, it will be worth it to get back into your vehicle and get on with your life.
Can I Get a Replacement Car Key Even Without the Original?
A locksmith that performs automotive services can easily make you a new car key without the original one, and much more affordably than a car dealership. This requires special tools along with accurate information about your vehicle.
They will need to know the make, model, and year of your vehicle. You will also need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and vehicle registration. Both dealerships and locksmiths ask for these items as a measure of safety and protection. If they didn’t, anyone could ask to have a key duplicated for your vehicle.
A locksmith will use a cutting machine to create a new one that works for your car. If it is a type of transponder or key fob, it will be programmed properly and work just like the original.
How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys is a major hassle. You may also have the keys to your house attached to that set too, further complicating the issue. But by calling a local locksmith, you can take care of all your key replacement needs.
The best thing you can do to prevent losing your car keys, house keys, or business keys ever again is to take the steps below:
Get a Key Tracker
If you have a habit of misplacing your keys and are always looking for them, the best thing you can do is get a key tracker. These devices send an invisible signal across devices, allowing you to access them from your phone.
Put Your Keys in the Same Place Each Day
Whether you use a key tracker or not, another good habit is putting your keys in the same place every day. You can set up a hanging key holder in your entry area or put an essentials organizer on your entry table to hold keys, sunglasses, and other items. When you get into the habit of putting your keys in the same spot, you’ll be less likely to waste time trying to find them when you need to leave.
Add Them to a Lanyard
With a long lanyard, jangling chain, or other type of noisy keychain, it will be less difficult to lose your keys. Since these are long, big, and make noise, you will find them more easily.
Get a Spare Key
One smart way to ensure you never run into this problem again is to have a duplicate key made. If you have a spare key on hand, you won’t waste time trying to find your keys. If the original can’t be found, you’ll at least have a way into your vehicle.
Save Your Locksmith’s Number
Here’s one last tip for preventing delays with lost keys – save your locksmith’s number in your phone. Hopefully, you won’t have to call them again after getting key replacements for your car. But if you do, you will already have a professional locksmith you can trust to help you.
