20 Questions You Should Always Have To Ask About Replacement Car Key Near Me Before Purchasing It Finding a Replacement Car Key Near Me

The loss of your car keys can be an incredibly stressful experience. Many AutoZone stores offer key cutting services that will help you return to the road in a hurry.

For less than $10, you can get a traditional metal key at any AutoZone. Dealers can offer more advanced options, such as a key fob or switchblade, or a transponder chip.

Traditional Keys

Cars that have traditional keys come with only one metal key with the shaft and head that fit inside the lock. These keys have been the standard for a long time, and although they aren't as convenient as the latest fobs and push-to-start devices, they have many advantages over other choices. They're easy to use, cost-effective, and offer an additional security measure. Traditional keys are durable and they can even outlast the vehicle itself.

If you own an ordinary key and want to replace it, the process is fairly straightforward at a majority of AutoZone locations. Bring your current key to the store, and an associate will match it with the blank key that's designed for your car's year, make, and model. Then, the key cutting machine will trace the original contours of the key and make a duplicate key with exactly the same shape. It takes only some minutes and is cheaper than buying an entirely new key from an outlet.

Many people purchase traditional keys online to get them as soon as possible. This is a good choice if you do not have the time to wait for an auto locksmith, or if you do not want to pay for a dealer replacement key. This method could cost more than hiring a locksmith particularly if the key that you require is a chip.

A few downsides to traditional keys are the fact that they're harder to use when you're carrying luggage, groceries, or children with both hands. They are also prone to getting lost if they're not placed securely in your keychain or pocket. They're not as robust as other keys and don't come with tracking devices that will assist you in locating them should you lose them.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you lose your traditional key, it will likely be necessary to contact a professional automotive locksmith for the installation of an entirely new ignition. This service may take longer than a regular key replacement, but it will save you money in the end, by not having to hire an locksmith to replace your car keys.

Key Fobs

It wasn't that long ago that the loss of a car key was not a huge issue. A locksmith might charge a fee to replace your key however, it wasn't a big deal. Modern automobiles are equipped with sophisticated technology and a replacement key could be a major hassle.

Key fobs, small plastic devices that can secure and unlock your car by pressing a single button, disarm the alarm or arm it, and then open the trunk. They function by sending an audio signal to the key reader in the ignition of your car that then tells the vehicle to open its doors and start the engine. Fobs can be used to regulate security systems in the home.

It is crucial to keep an extra key in case you own a fob. You'll save yourself the hassle and expense of paying an individual dealer to cut and program a key which can cost upwards of $200. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to see if it covers replacing lost keys fobs, if you have a newer car.

Online shopping for an aftermarket fob is another option to save. Most of the time, you can find an ordinary fob for less than half the price of what you would buy from a dealer. But, you'll need to have it cut and programmed at a locksmith or a company that provides that service.

Many locksmiths charge per hour to cut and program a replacement fob. The cost can vary based on the type of vehicle you have, the model year and the key fob's features. If you have a sophisticated fob, be aware that these can sometimes be trickier to program. You'll need to consult the owner's manual for your specific vehicle, and follow the steps for resetting them.

A key fob can also be useful for apartments that don't have a lock on every door. You can use the fob to unlock the door, so you don't get locked out when taking groceries into.

Smart Keys

A smart key has a microchip that only the car's system can recognize. When the smart key is inserted into the ignition it opens the doors and starts the engine. This type of key comes with many advantages, including convenience and increased security. There are some things you need to know before buying one.

Most newer cars do not allow the use of traditional keys. Rather, they require a key fob or smart key to unlock and start the car. Smart keys also come with security features that help prevent theft. They are difficult to track for tech-savvy thieves because they transmit a new frequency signal each when the door or trunk is shut. In addition, if the smart key battery depletes the car will function with a backup key that could be placed in the ignition.

A smart key also allows you to lock your car remotely using an app that you can download on your smartphone. This is useful if you need to leave your car in the garage unattended, such as when loading groceries into the trunk or going out for lunch. It is important to keep in mind that if your phone gets lost, it won't be able unlock your car or start it.

If you lose your smart key, call roadside assistance to schedule an appointment to take it into the dealership so they can replace it. Locksmiths are usually able to create a traditional key however, replacing a transponder key or smart key requires special equipment that the dealership will have to provide.

Locksmiths can copy a traditional key, but in the event that the key isn't properly programmed, it will not function properly. If you don't own the original, a locksmith can do the programming, but you will need to have it towed back to the dealer to electronically pair the chip on your computer. In some instances, this will take several days to complete, so be prepared to wait for it if you lose your smart key.

replacement auto key is an added-on insurance plan that you can purchase through your car insurance company or through third-party companies like credit card companies and AARP. It typically covers the cost of a variety of services, including towing or locksmith services, as well as fuel delivery. You may be covered for the cost of a hotel or rental car if your vehicle breaks down.


The type of car keys you own can affect the ease with which you can locate your way back to your car in the event that you get locked out. For example traditional keys are simple to duplicate and can be done by most locksmiths on spot. If your vehicle has an electronic laser cut smart key that has to be programmed by your dealer, it will take longer and cost more to get an entirely new key fitted to your vehicle.

It's impossible to know the moment when your car keys will disappear or become damaged, but it's a good idea purchase a couple of extra sets so you have one on hand. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker that you can connect to your keys. It emits a unique signal that you can then connect to a phone app to locate your lost key.

Whether your car is a more modern model with key fobs or an older model with a mechanical key, there is a good chance you will need to replace it at some point. The teeth of the car key could begin to wear out for instance, or you could discover that the key opens only the doors a little more when you turn it. If you notice that the teeth of your car key are starting to wear down, it's a good idea for you to call roadside assistance to replace the key.

Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance in their comprehensive policies. This insurance could save you money on a replacement fob or key in the event that your vehicle is stolen or stolen. But, it's important to evaluate the savings against the insurance deductible as well as the time it will take to submit an insurance claim.