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Getting a New Car Key Cut An auto locksmith can save you money when compared to dealers. They can make replacement keys for all car models and key types including fobs that require programming. Laser cut keys have thicker shanks and less grooves carved out. They also have transponder chips, which need to be programmed to your car. This is a more complicated process and takes longer, but can still be cheaper than going to the dealership. What kind of keys do I need? The type of keys you have is important when it comes to replacing lost car keys. If your car is old and you have a traditional type of key, you can get the replacement from many locksmiths or hardware stores. These keys are easy to duplicate and have a simple, precise ridge cut into the side. Most modern cars use electronic keys. They have a transponder chip in them that sends a message to the vehicle when they are placed in the ignition. This system is designed to prevent unauthorised users from starting your car or opening the doors. It is more expensive to replace a smart key if you lose it since they need an electronic chip. This is the reason it's best to keep a spare car key in the vehicle and leave a spare with a family member in the event that you lose the original. Depending on the brand and model of your vehicle it might or may not be possible to replace the missing smart key with a second-hand version. If your car doesn't have the technology, you'll have to visit a dealership or contact a locksmith. They will need to have proof of ownership as well as an ID picture to purchase an additional key for you, and then they will need to program it to the car's system. This process can take up to an hour. It is also more expensive than getting an ordinary copy of a key. The cost of laser-cut keys will vary between $50 and $100. While you wait for your new key to be made you shouldn't stress out too much about losing it. You should always have a spare key in your pocket, or with a trusted friend. Also, keep your eye on the keychain as it moves. If you're looking for a way to save money on a replacement for your car key, think about purchasing an aftermarket model on the internet. You can usually get these keys for 75 percent less than what the dealer would charge. You will still have to cut them and program them into your vehicle. Find out the best price in your region. How long will keys cut take? If you're the type of person who is prone to forgetting where their keys are or is prone to misplacing keys, it's the time to get an extra car key. A spare key can help you avoid the hassle of having to pay for a locksmith, or even tow into the dealership if you're locked out and require an alternative key. Depending on the type of key it could take from a few minutes to a few hours to make a new key. It could cost you upwards of $200 to get a replacement key if you lose your only one. This is due to the fact that you need to pay for the vehicle to be taken to the dealership, which will then need to purchase and program a replacement. Also, you'll be responsible for any labor costs associated from the procedure. It's much better to spend the money for a spare car key now, on your terms than to to pay for a replacement when you're in the need of it. A hardware or locksmith can create traditional car keys in a short time. They typically have a slightly thicker shank and less carved out grooves than laser-cut keys. If you're looking to replace the fob of your key, it will take longer since they must be programmed into the computer of your vehicle. A reliable auto locksmith or dealer will be able to do this in the majority of cases but it's best to make a call first to find out what their charges are and how long it will take them to complete the task. At the majority of Mister Minit locations we have the tools and experience to duplicate your current car keys or fobs. Bring the key you want to duplicate as well as the year, make and MODEL of your vehicle to help us determine the type of transponder chip that is in the key. The year, model and the make will also assist us in determining what type of key fobs you require. Another option for those who are worried about losing your original is to go to the dealer that makes the brand of car you drive. If you need an replacement for your key fob, this will take a little longer as the dealer will need to program the key fob with your car's computer. They will need to have proof of ownership, like your registration or title documents to do this. You can also try to find a third car key as a spare and then reprogramme it yourself. You'll have to read the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out how to do this because it differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Are there any restrictions on obtaining a Key without the Original? If you have an older car, you can likely get a standard key made of metal by an auto locksmith, or in some cases, a hardware store. This is because older vehicles don't have specialized electronic components such as chips. The latest cars could use transponder keys that require a laser-cutting machine called a sidewinder to duplicate the key. Additionally, these newer keys may have chip-programmed circuits that prevent your car from starting without the original key being in close proximity to the ignition. If your car has one of these advanced keys, you should know that you will probably require an auto dealer to get an alternate key made, without the original. This can be costly, especially if the dealer requires that your vehicle be taken to the dealer for the key to be programmed. Calling a locksmith is a much more affordable alternative. They can cut and program a duplicate of your car key at a cost that is half that of dealerships. It's important to do this prior to losing your car keys as it will save you lots of dollars in the long run when you're unable to locate the keys. Can I get a Key made at AutoZone? While modern vehicles have sophisticated security systems, they still rely on keys to open the car and then start it. It's not as easy as visiting a self-service kiosk in the mall and obtaining an alternative key. Modern car keys have to be programmed for security of the vehicle and include a transponder chip that is unique to every vehicle. Fortunately, a number of AutoZone locations have the tools and experience to offer these services. If you have your key fob (or even just a traditional key) with you, an associate can cut it and assist you to you program it to your vehicle onsite. The fundamental process of cutting a car key involves using a machine to copy the shape of an original key. A blank key is positioned on one side of a duplication machine, while an existing key is on the other side. Both are held in place with a specially-designed tool. The machine moves the blank key forward and back cutting out the desired shape. The new key will match the dimensions of the original. When it comes to creating a spare car key, however, things can get more complicated. The year the make, model, and year of your vehicle will determine what type of key you own, which will then need to be cut by a professional locksmith to work in your car. You can find locksmiths who will do the work for less than dealerships. Verify whether the locksmith is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America. You can usually find replacement keys online at a lower price than going to a dealership to cut them and programmed. You can find them on sites that are intended specifically for this purpose, as well as by searching for “(your year model, make, and year).” If you have a more complex key or a key fob you will likely have go to the locksmith or dealer to get it replaced. You can get a key made by providing your VIN and proof of ownership, however, the process will cost you. You can cut down on these costs by having a spare key created now.