12 Replacement Car Key Near Me Facts To Bring You Up To Speed The Cooler Water Cooler Finding a Replacement Car Key Near Me

Losing your car keys could be an incredibly stressful experience. Fortunately, a lot of AutoZone locations offer key cutting services to help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.

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

Traditional Keys

Cars that use traditional keys have only one metal key, with a shaft and head that fit inside the lock. They've been used for a long time, and while they might not be as user-friendly as the newer fobs, or push-to start systems, they offer many advantages over other options. They're inexpensive, easy to find and use, and offer a physical form of security. The traditional keys are robust and last longer than the vehicle.

If you have a standard key and you need to replace it the process is straightforward at a majority of AutoZone locations. Bring your current key to the store, and an associate will match it with a blank key that's specifically made for your car's year and make. Then, the key cutting machine will trace the initial contours of the key and make a duplicate key with exactly the same form. It takes just some minutes and is less expensive than buying the new key from the dealer.

Some people order traditional keys online in order to receive them as fast as possible. This is a great alternative if you don't have long to wait for a locksmith, or if you don't want to spend the money on a dealership key replacement. This method could cost more than hiring a locksmith, especially if the key you need has a chip.

A few disadvantages to traditional keys are the fact that they're more difficult to use when you're carrying groceries, luggage, or even kids using both hands. If they are not securely placed in your pocket or keychain, they can easily become lost. They aren't as durable as other key types, and they don't have built-in tracking devices that can aid in finding them should they are lost.


Another thing to keep in mind is that in the event that you lose your original key, it could be necessary to visit an experienced locksmith in your vehicle to install a new ignition. This process may take longer than a standard key replacement, but it will save you money in the end by preventing you from needing to hire locksmiths to replace your car keys.

Key Fobs

A few years ago, misplacing a car key wasn't really a big deal. It cost a little money to have a locksmith make an exchange however it wasn't a major hassle. Modern automobiles are equipped with sophisticated technology and replacing a lost key could be a major trouble.

Key fobs, which are small plastic devices, can lock and unlock your vehicle at the touch of one button. It can also deactivate the alarm or arm it, and open the trunk. They function by sending a signal through radio waves to the key reader inside the ignition of your car, which then tells the vehicle to open its doors and begin the engine. Fobs can also be used to control security systems for your home.

If you own a fob, it is essential to keep an extra key on hand. This will save you the stress and cost of paying for a dealership to cut and program the new key, which can exceed $200. If you have a newer vehicle, you should check your insurance policy or auto club membership to determine whether they will cover the cost of replacing a lost key fob.

Another option is to buy an aftermarket key fob online. In most cases, you can get a basic fob for less than half the cost you would pay at an outlet. You'll still need to have the key fob cut and programmed by a locksmith.

Many locksmiths charge by the hour to cut and program a replacement fob. The price may vary depending on the kind of car you have, the model year and key fob's functions. If you own a smart fob, be aware that they are sometimes more difficult to program. You will require the owner's guide for your car and to reset them, you'll have follow the directions.

A key fob could be handy for apartment buildings that don't have locks on every door. You can use the fob to unlock the door so you won't be locked out when carrying groceries into.

Smart Keys

A smart key is an embedded microchip that only the car's system can recognize. When vehicle key replacement is put into the ignition the sensor opens the doors and starts the engine. This type of key comes with many benefits, such as convenience and security. There are some things you need to be aware of prior to purchasing one.

Most modern cars do not accept traditional keys. Instead, they require a key fob or smart key to unlock and start the vehicle. Smart keys come with additional security features to help stop theft. The fact that they transmit an alternate frequency signal every time the trunk or door opens is closed, for example it makes them difficult for tech-savvy thieves to intercept. In addition, if the battery of the smart key is depleted the car will function with a backup key that can be placed in the ignition.

Another benefit of smart keys is the ability to lock your car remotely with the app on a smartphone. This can be helpful if you need to leave your car at home for instance, when you are loading groceries into the trunk or going out for lunch. It is crucial to remember that if you lose your phone it will no longer be able to unlock and start your vehicle.

If you have lost your smart key contact roadside assistance for a tow into the dealership so they can exchange it. Locksmiths can create a traditional car key but a smart key or transponder requires special equipment. The dealership must provide this.

A locksmith can duplicate keys from traditional keys, however when the key isn't properly programmed, it will not function correctly. Locksmiths can offer the programming service, but if you don't own the original, you'll need to bring it to the dealership so that they can electronically pair the new computer chip with your vehicle. This could take a few days in certain instances. Be prepared to wait, if you've lost your smart key.

Roadside Assistance

You can add roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy, or get it from third-party providers like credit card companies or AARP. It usually covers the cost of a range of services, including towing or locksmith services, as well as fuel delivery. You could also be covered for the cost of a hotel room or rental car in the event of your vehicle breaking down.

The type of car keys you have will affect the ease with which you can get back into your vehicle in the event of being locked out. Most locksmiths can easily copy traditional keys, which are easy to copy. If your vehicle has laser cut, programmable smart key that has to be programmed by the dealer, it may take longer and cost more money to get a new one fitted to your vehicle.

You can't predict when your keys will break or go missing and it's a good idea to have a few spare sets on hand. You can also buy a Bluetooth key tracker to attach to your keys, which emits a signature that you can connect to an app on your phone to locate your keys.

You might need to replace your mechanical key at some point, whether it's an older model with keyfob, or a more modern one with keyfob. The teeth on your car key may start to wear down, for instance, or you may find that the key only opens the doors a tiny more when you turn it. If you notice that the teeth of your car key are starting to wear out, it's a good idea for you to call roadside assistance to get the key replaced.

Many auto insurers offer roadside assistance as part of their comprehensive policies. The coverage offered by this insurance can help you avoid the expense of replacing a key or key fob in the event of theft or loss, but it's worth weighing the monetary savings against your insurance deductible, and the length of time it will take to submit a claim.