What to do if you lost your car keys and you have left with no spare

By Milan I. Published: 07/02/21 Updated: 11/06/23

Most of us carry our keychain together with our car key all the time. Sometimes we end up in an unpleasant scenario when our car keys get lost or stolen, and typically it happens precisely when you are the least prepared for it.

It is an unfortunate situation to find yourself standing in front of your car without the ability to get in or start it. At best, you can order a cab home and bring your spare car keys, get back and start your car. But not all of us are that lucky, and sometimes you do not have a spare car key. So what do you do then? 

Lost all of the car keys to a modern vehicle?

Not long ago, car manufacturers did not implement any sophisticated anti-theft systems in their cars. Vehicles had just a standard traditional car key, and dealing with lost car keys was a relatively simple task.

However, times have changed, and today almost any car that drives on our streets has a built-in transponder/chip-key system, and occasionally it comes with additional security features. In our days, having a traditional car key for your car is not enough. Your car key has to be programmed to your vehicle for the car to start; therefore, supplying a replacement key today requires special tools alongside comprehensive programming knowledge.

Even though replacing car keys isn't as simple as it used to be, there are still available solutions for you! It usually just comes down to whether you want to tow your vehicle at your local dealership or rely on your local mobile automotive locksmith down the street. Both will be able to provide you with a spare key.

The first option is to go with your local dealership

You can always contact a local car dealership if you’d like new car keys made. They keep track of your vehicle’s security, meaning they’ll be able to find this information in their database quickly. It is not difficult for them to provide you with a spare car key.

An official car dealership is a good option for getting new car keys because they'll have the right equipment and know-how to program your new car key fob, and you'll be able to stay relaxed knowing that you're 100% getting an OEM factory transponder key, not a cheap knockoff.

Not many people like this solution because the dealership will typically charge you more for their key fobs and transponder keys. Another thing to consider is that you will always need to schedule an appointment and bring the car in with a tow truck.

At the dealership, your car key replacement can take a few days, and the price will depend on the year and model of your car. If you want to be specific, things might vary from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars for a new transponder key made.

A dealer can be a great option for you if:

• You do not mind spending on towing.
• You want peace of mind, knowing you will be getting genuine transponder keys.
• You do not mind spending a little extra on your car key replacement services.
  

The second option is to go call your local automotive locksmith

A lot of people don't know that a locksmith can also make car keys. It's a common misconception. Contacting your local locksmith specialist who offers car key services in all lost key situations can save you up to 50% off your car keys expenses.

Car locksmiths can be a great alternative because usually, they offer mobile emergency service, so they'll come to you when you need it. You won't have to wait for too long before a technician arrives.

A competent car locksmith will usually carry the latest car key programming equipment and will be able to generate duplicate car keys or keyless entry key fobs on site, just like a local dealership.

As a rule, you would ultimately pay less to your local locksmith than what you would have paid at the dealership for your replacement key. One contributing factor is that locksmiths use cost-effective methods to replace lost car keys.

A local automotive locksmith can be a great option for you if:

• You are not willing or can't tow your vehicle.
• You want to save on your car keys expenses.
• It is an emergency, and you need your transponder keys replaced ASAP.

How to find a competent car locksmith in my area?

Calling a local automotive locksmith can be tempting due to convenience and price efficiency, but keep in mind it may not be easy to find a qualified car locksmith - many will offer their services even though they're not experts in the field.

It may be preferable to go to someone with some existing credentials and an established history of completing professional automotive locksmith projects. It can be hard to distinguish an amateur from a real pro. That's why you should always do your research, so you don't get scammed and overpay for a service or product that is not really worth it.

If you care about your safety and security, it is highly recommended to find an expert you can trust who will provide you with a quality job and excellent service. Here are some tips that will help you stay away from unprofessional locksmiths:

1. Vague pricing and broad price ranges

A real car key expert has nothing to hide - each vehicle can be different for sure, but the job is largely the same, and locksmiths usually know what they'll charge you for each transponder key or key fob. When it comes to quoting, real locksmiths have pretty reasonable prices. They can generally give you a quote over the phone or via email if you provide them with the correct details about your vehicle and the type of transponder key it is equipped with.

2. Extremely low service calls such as 10$ 29.99$ or 35$ are a red flag

Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it is probably not true. This is a significant problem in the industry currently - scammer locksmith companies apply the bait and switch price scheme resulting in customers being charged an arm and a leg for a simple job such as a lockout. You can find more information about locksmith scams and how to avoid being scammed on Marketplace's investigation on YouTube here.

3. Not local service, false advertisement

Is this a local business? Many people fall victim to nationwide call centers that use subcontractors. those people end up paying more for low-quality service. You can quickly tell if you're dealing with a local company on the phone if they answer the phone by immediately giving their branded company name and taking your call without letting you wait for a technician's call.

Another good way to identify counterfeit locksmiths is to see if they have any social media presence. You can also read Google reviews or inquire with the business directly about their client’s satisfaction levels. Watch out for people who claim they "know the job" but are charging pretty cheap prices. This may give you an idea of who is trying to rip you off. Without the right knowledge or equipment, attempting to program your car keys could put your car at risk. This is why it is essential to only hire a car specialist who knows their stuff. They can open your car safely without causing any damage, and also have the skills to duplicate the key for you.

How will the locksmith replace lost car keys?

When the locksmith arrives on the site, he'll be required by law to make sure you have proof of ownership. Ensure you have a valid ID and a document that states your name and your vehicle identification number with you - and be ready to provide those if necessary. This will make things run much more quickly. If your registration is locked inside your vehicle, do not worry, the professional will be able to unlock it for you.

After providing all the documents needed, the locksmith will start working on your car. Car keys can be restored using many different methods, some more complex than others. It usually depends on the type of security system your vehicle is equipped with and the car key type.

If your vehicle is equipped with a standard transponder key

If your car key type is just a standard transponder key, the technician will have to restore the key's cuts first. Usually, he will choose one of the cylinders and take it apart. He will cut the key according to the cylinder's cuts, assemble the mechanism back. After he gets the cuts, he will match the key with the correct chip (transponder) for the car, and lastly, he will program the key to your vehicle by using a special car key programmer.

If you lost your key fob, car remote key or a keyless entry remote

Car key fobs allow for remote control, among other options. The standard remote has lock and unlock buttons, but car manufacturers today offer more such as remote control, trunk button, and more. And some come equipped with a transponder and a switchblade key as two units. Many car remotes are easily reprogrammable and don't need to be connected to any diagnostic machine. Some vehicles like GM, for example, will require you to plug in a programmer before any work can be done. An automotive locksmith should be able to help out. Always check online if you can program your car remote yourself, and that way, you can save yourself money.

If you lost a Push-To-Start (Smart Key) car key

Car dealerships usually try to lure customers claiming that they are the only ones that will be able to generate new smart keys to your car, usually the procedure involves resetting your car modules or replacing them with new which is not a cost-effective solution. Unfortunately for them, they are not the only ones who can provide such car keys. If your car is equipped with push-start button and you lost all of your keys a professional automotive locksmith will be able to generate you a new key, since he does not have to change any modules the price that you will pay generally will be lower than what you would have paid at your local dealership and the great part is that you won’t be compromising on the quality of the job. Such jobs often require expensive car programmers and a large amount of experience in the field. Usually, the job can be done solely via the OBD-2 protocol without taking anything apart however In some cases the specialist will have to take one or more modules out of your vehicle in order to get the right security components for the key. It is a very risky job and highly recommended to call a professional to do it.

After the automotive locksmith provides you with new keys, the final step is to check and approve everything. Be sure that all things are put back to their original state to prevent any issues. You might want to ask for a warranty if he is the one who supplied the parts for the job. Locksmiths usually offer at least two years, but sometimes they forget to mention it.

It is recommended to get a spare key made

To prevent this bad situation in the future, it's best to use your car locksmith or a specialty store with experience in duplicate immobilizer keys.

Duplication of keys is done with the help of special equipment that allows professional key duplication and matching them to the "master" keys. By making yourself a duplicate you can very easily avoid emergencies and always be safe.

Final thoughts

An automotive locksmith certainly can be more beneficial than your local dealership in terms of availability, prices, and convenience; however, there is an element of risk involved in calling a locksmith because it can be challenging to distinguish between an amateur locksmith from a professional, making it a hard deciding who you should call.

By following the tips provided above, you can minimize your risks of booking an incompetent locksmith to do the job. And it is always recommended to get an extra copy made to make sure you are not ending up in the same situation again.

If you ever need automotive locksmith services or consultation. You can call us at (403)-589-8978 CarKeyAction automotive locksmith services Calgary's local car locksmith.

A one-stop for all your car key needs, our specialists will be happy to assist you!