It can be very stressful when you have lost or damaged your car keys and are looking for the fastest way of getting a replacement, this quick guide will help you go through all the options available.
You can always order a duplicate car key from your dealership but that service is mostly expensive and time consuming. You can also get a duplicate car key online and even if it matches your old key you will still have to get the key programmed as, most car keys have a transponder chip that sends signals to the receiver in the car. But, if the car doesn’t detect the microchip in the key or the exact serial number you car will not start.
But don’t worry the solution to this is to have a locksmith that will be physically present with you car. They will use special equipments to make sure that your key is fully programmed and is in perfect working condition. However, you can always watch a tutorial on how to do it yourself but, getting your key duplicated or programmed by a professional auto locksmith in london will always remain a reliable and affordable solution.
So far, we have covered the pros and cons of getting your car key duplicated from a dealership vs locksmith vs doing it yourself. But now let’s compare prices.
Typically, standard car insurance policies do not cover the cost of replacing your car keys but it differs based on what type of insurance you have. Also, the cost of replacing or duplicating your car key will also depend on the type of key your car uses. For example, let’s compare a traditional car key to a modern car key that comes with a fob.
For duplicating your traditional car key, you have to simply visit an automotive locksmith or your dealership and have your key mechanically cut. But, a modern car key maker near me comes with a fob and as discussed above you’ll need to get your fob programmed. Which makes it an expensive service compared to that of a traditional key duplication service.
While we are on the subject of traditional keys and modern keys, here’s a list of different types of modern keys: car key fob, car key fob and switchblade key, transponder key, smart key and laser cut key.
All these types of keys including the traditional key can be get duplicated from your dealership or from an automotive locksmith except for the laser cut key. As the laser cut key can only be duplicated by your dealership as most local locksmiths do not have the equipments to provide this service. Also, If you are someone who wants to duplicate your car keys themselves, you can try to duplicate your car key fob. By, simply ordering the fob online and using your vehicle’s manual to program it yourself.
When you visit your dealership or an automotive locksmith you will need to show the following documents like:
- Your driving license (ID)
- The car’s make and model
- The car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Your proof of ownership
Final thoughts: Getting your car key duplicated is easy once you know what to do when the situation arrives. Also, remember that it’s important to have a spare key in case of any key trouble.
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