I need a key made for my car

It’s amazing how much we depend on our cars in our day-to-day lives. Many of us could not even get to work without our cars. This is why losing your car key or breaking your key off in the ignition or lock can seem like a nightmare. This is especially stressful if you don’t have an extra key. If this happens to you, don’t panic. Believe it or not, it is possible to have a copy of your car key made without the original.

What Kind of Replacement Key Will You Need?

If you find yourself in a position where you must have a car key made, your first step is to determine what kind of key you will need. If you own a car from 1981 or earlier, you may just need a simple key cut from a standard key block.

Newer-model cars have cut keys called transponder keys. These keys include programmed chips as safety features. Even if a transponder key was cut, it still would not turn on the car without the proper programming. A third kind of car key is a smart key. Smart keys act as a remote and are not like traditional keys at all. These resemble an attached key fob and do not require the traditional means of turning the ignition.

Don’t Have the Original Key?

You can still acquire a replacement key if you have lost the original. You may have the option of returning to the dealer to obtain a replacement, however, this can be very expensive, especially if you need your vehicle to be towed to your dealership’s location. A more affordable option is to enlist the services of an auto locksmith. In fact, many dealers utilize the services of outside locksmiths for replacement keys and many locksmiths can cut and program the exact same key for about 50% less cost than a dealership.

An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original. When you contact a locksmith, you will need to supply some information to the company before your key can be replaced.

What Will Your Locksmith Will Need to Know?

You will need to be able to identify the year, make and model of your car. You will also need to prove ownership of the vehicle, so have your registration or title handy. The vehicle identification number is more commonly known as the VIN number, and your locksmith will need to know this as well.

The VIN number can be found either on driver’s side doorpost or stamped on a metal plate on the driver’s side dashboard. Your key identification number is also an important item to have, and this can usually be found in your car manual; however is not always required information. Let your locksmith know if you believe that your keys have been stolen. If this is the case, he or she will need to reprogram your car in such a way that the old keys will no longer work.

Do You Need to Worry About a Tow?

If you require an emergency locksmith to travel to you, make sure that you can provide the address or cross streets of your location. Our locksmith will utilize the newest technology to cut your new key and program your key or smart key on the spot. It doesn’t matter where you are or the type of vehicle you need help with. The services of a skilled professional also extend to keys for scooters, trucks, vans, caravans, and motorcycles.

The loss or damage of your only car key is a stressful situation. Pop-A-Lock Locksmiths of Phoenix can help you handle your emergency efficiently. Our professionals are trained to handle nearly all car models, so you can be assured that your vehicle is in excellent hands. Rest assured, your key will be replaced and no damage will be done to your car in the process. There’s never a bad time to contact us; we are open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

I need a key made for my car

Here at the Master Locksmiths Association we often get asked what the cheapest and quickest ways are to replacement car keys (spare or lost car keys), on this page we will cover the best options and what you should do next.

You were probably looking everywhere to find your car keys and have now given up thinking of places to look, so you start thinking where you can get a replacement car key for a low price.

If you looking for a guide on how to replace your lost car keys click here we cover the cost of lost car keys to what information required to get a replacement key.

Here are five ways you can get replacement car keys quickly and without it costing a fortune.

1. An Auto Locksmith

Cheapest – This is usually the least expensive as an auto locksmith will have all the equipment to replace all types of keys and for most vehicle manufacturers models as well.

For example, some garage’s charge a fee just to use their diagnostic software which is used to programme car keys.

Most likely fastest option – As most offer a mobile service (they can visit you) and are experts with vehicle key and locks, they will be the quickest.

Some auto locksmiths sometimes carry key programming equipment worth well over £100,000, they will be able to replace keys for nearly all models and makes of cars.

Well Stocked with equipment & car key blanks – can usually fix it in one visit, can delete old keys so they no longer work (for transponder type keys).

I need a key made for my car

An auto locksmith can also help with:

It’s not just keys an auto locksmith can assist with, if you are locked out of your car at the same time, they will be able to open the car door and:

  • Replace lost keys – If you don’t have the original key
  • Cut & Copy Vehicle Keys – Provide a spare car key
  • Programme Remote Car Key Fobs
  • Opening Cars – Opening locked vehicles (e.g. if keys locked inside)
  • Vehicle Locks – Change and repair damaged locks
  • Repair keys – they can repair damaged or broken keys

To find the nearest auto locksmith in your area click here

FIND A CAR LOCKSMITH

2. Car Insurance Provider

Could be very expensive – Car keys are sometimes not covered by insurance companies and it may depend on particular circumstances as to whether your policy covers you; each insurance company will have different terms and conditions

Also, note claiming on your insurance may affect your no claims bonus, so could cost you in the long run.

Car Key Cover

Some offer a key cover policy as a premium add-on where they can replace your keys, but this is usually an extra you pay for on top of your car insurance.

Other insurers offer key cover a standalone policy, although some do not cover issues such as stolen vehicle keys.

Some use an auto locksmith: Note that most insurance providers use the services of a specialist auto locksmith to get this done.

3. Vehicle Breakdown Service

Could be slow – Some roadside assistance services may able to help, but this can depend on the type of vehicle key you need replacing and the equipment the roadside assistance service has onboard their vehicle.

Depending on if the breakdown service has the correct key coding equipment you could be in for a long wait.

It is why auto locksmiths are usually the fastest option due to the large amount of vehicle diagnostic and expensive car key coding equipment they carry.

A lot of breakdown services use an auto locksmith to complete the work, so going directly to the locksmith will be the cheapest option.

Not experts in keys and locks – they also may not have the expertise that an auto locksmith has in dealing with specific keys and lock types.

4. Franchised Car Dealership

Most expensive – Going to your vehicle dealership may be the most expensive option and could take the longest, unlike an auto locksmith, the car dealer will not necessarily have all the specialist equipment and won’t be able to visit you.

Slowest method – As the dealership may have to order in the key blank this may mean a length of time before they are able to help. Also, a lot will not have the necessary key programming & diagnostic equipment on site.

Also, use an auto locksmith –  A lot of car dealerships use the services of specialist auto locksmiths themselves.

5. Local Garage

Expensive & Slow – The last option could be a garage local to you, although this could end up being expensive due to most garages charging to use the diagnostic equipment.

Garages may well not have the specialist key coding equipment on-site that an auto locksmith carries.

You may also find it very difficult to find a garage who actually can replace and program new car keys as it’s a very specialist area, so it may not be the best choice if you are in hurry.

Replace Your Car Keys Quickly

Recommend Reading

  • Keyless Car Theft – what is relay theft and how to stop it
  • Motorcycle Security – Best 3 Ways to prevent motorbike theft

Can AutoZone make car 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.

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.

Can a locksmith make a key without the original?

An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original. When you contact a locksmith, you will need to supply some information to the company before your key can be replaced.

Can I get a key made from the VIN number?

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. *However most vehicles keys also have transponders in them and need be programmed to the car.