Car keys have a habit of walking off on their own, and the more advanced the key becomes, the more likely it is to disappear. Trying to remove a broken or bent key from an old lock can damage the lock even further, so it’s always best to call a professional locksmith for help.
Getting an affordable replacement for your lost car key isn’t as hard as you might think, especially if you have a spare in working condition. The first thing to figure out is what type of key you need, as that will determine how much it costs. A traditional key is a chunk of shaped metal that only needs to be cut identically to the original to work. These are cheaper to make and can be done at a hardware store.
A flip key or a key with a remote key fob attached is more expensive to replace and requires additional programming to work. The locksmith will need the key number and immobilizer code from your vehicle to make a new one, so you’ll have to provide this information to them or get a tow to the dealership.
Some keys are also more difficult to duplicate, requiring the special tools and knowledge of a licensed car locksmith. These are often the keys with a remote key fob that must be programmed to the car, or those that have a transponder chip inside of them. These types of keys can’t be made at a hardware store and need to be ordered from the dealership or a locksmith that has the necessary equipment.auto locksmith chicago