Where to get replacement keys and what each option costs

You have three main routes to replace lost car keys: the dealership, a locksmith, or a big-box retailer like Home Depot or Lowe's. The dealership is the most expensive but guarantees a key that works with your specific car's security system. A locksmith is usually faster and cheaper, though not all locksmiths can handle every car model. Big-box retailers offer the cheapest option for basic key cutting, but they cannot program modern keys that communicate with your car's computer.

The cost varies widely depending on your car's age and key type. A straightforward metal key cut at a hardware store might cost $3 to $10. A basic key cut by a locksmith runs $10 to $30. A dealership key, especially one that needs programming, can cost $200 to $500 or more. If your car uses a key fob or a push-button start system, expect to pay more at any location because programming is required.

Before you go anywhere, check your car's documentation or call your dealership to find out what type of key your car uses. Some cars from the 1990s and earlier use straightforward mechanical keys. Most cars made after 2000 use keys that need to be programmed to your car's computer. Knowing this ahead of time will save you a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Dealerships are most reliable but most expensive; locksmiths are faster and cheaper for many cars; hardware stores are cheapest but cannot program modern keys.
  • straightforward metal keys cost $3 to $30 depending on where you go; programmed keys and fobs cost $200 to $500 or more at a dealership.
  • You will need proof of ownership (registration or title) at a dealership, and the car's VIN (vehicle identification number) at any location.
  • Some locksmiths can come to your home or workplace and cut and program a key on the spot, which is faster than going to a dealership.
  • If you have a spare key at home, use it to start the car and drive to get a replacement rather than calling a tow truck.

Getting a key from the dealership

The dealership is your safest choice if your car has a complex security system or if you want to be certain the key will work. Call the service department, not the sales department. Tell them you have lost your keys and ask what documents you need to bring. Most dealerships require your vehicle registration or title to prove ownership, your driver's license, and your car's VIN.

Bring the car with you if you can, or have someone drive it. The dealership needs to confirm the VIN matches their records and sometimes needs to test the key in the ignition before you leave. If you cannot bring the car, the dealership may still make the key, but you will need to return to have it programmed in the vehicle. Ask about this when you call.

Dealership service departments often have a waiting list. Call ahead and ask how long it will take. Some can make a key the same day; others may take several days. If you need a key urgently and the dealership is backed up, a locksmith may be your faster option.

Using a locksmith to cut and program a key

A locksmith can often make a replacement key faster and cheaper than a dealership, especially if you call one that specializes in automotive work. Search online for "automotive locksmith near me" or ask your car insurance company for a referral. Many insurance policies cover locksmith services, so check your policy before you pay out of pocket.

When you call, tell the locksmith your car's year, make, model, and VIN. The VIN is on your registration, on the driver's side of the dashboard, or on the door jamb. The locksmith will tell you whether they can make a key for your car and what it will cost. Some locksmiths will come to your location and cut and program the key while you wait. Others may ask you to bring the car to their shop.

Ask the locksmith whether they need the car present to program the key. Some modern cars require the key to be programmed inside the vehicle, while others can be programmed remotely. If the locksmith says they cannot program your specific car model, ask for a referral to someone who can. Not all locksmiths have the equipment for every car.

Getting a basic key cut at a hardware store

Hardware stores and big-box retailers can cut a straightforward metal key quickly and cheaply, usually for under $10. This works only if your car uses a basic mechanical key with no electronic components. If your car has a key fob, a push-button start, or a key that lights up or beeps, a hardware store cannot help you.

To use this route, you need an existing key to use as a template. If you have lost all your keys, you cannot use a hardware store. You will need to go to a locksmith or dealership instead. If you have one key left, take it to the hardware store and ask them to cut a duplicate. Most stores have a key-cutting machine at the front counter and can finish the job while you wait.

A hardware store key is useful as a backup, but do not rely on it as your only spare. Keep one copy at home and consider giving another to a trusted friend or family member in case you lose your main key again.

What documents and information you will need

Before you go anywhere, gather these items: your vehicle registration or title, your driver's license, and your car's VIN. The VIN is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your car. You can find it on your registration, on the dashboard on the driver's side (visible through the windshield), or on the door jamb on the driver's side.

If you do not have your registration, you can still get a replacement key, but it will take longer. The dealership or locksmith will need to verify your identity and ownership through other means, such as a phone call to your insurance company or a check of the vehicle title at the DMV. Call ahead and ask what alternative documents they will accept.

If your car is financed or leased, the lender or leasing company may have restrictions on who can make a key. Check your loan or lease agreement, or call the lender before you go to a locksmith or dealership. Some lenders require that keys be made only at the dealership.

Programming a key if you already have one cut

If you have had a key cut but it does not start your car, the key needs to be programmed. Programming tells your car's computer to recognize the new key. Some keys can be programmed by the owner using a specific sequence of steps, but this varies by car model and year. Check your owner's manual or search online for "[your car year, make, model] self-program key" to see if yours can be done at home.

If your car cannot be self-programmed, you will need to take it to a dealership or a locksmith with programming equipment. Bring the cut key and your proof of ownership. Programming usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you arrive. Some dealerships charge a separate programming fee on top of the key-cutting cost.

If you have a key fob that needs programming, the process is usually more complex. Many fobs must be programmed at a dealership or by a professional locksmith. Do not attempt to program a fob yourself unless your owner's manual explicitly says you can.

What to do if you cannot find your spare key

If you have a spare key at home, use it to drive to a locksmith or dealership instead of calling a tow truck. This saves you money and gets you a replacement faster. If your spare is also lost or you never made one, you will have to call a locksmith or dealership to come to you, or arrange a tow to their location.

Some locksmiths offer mobile service and will come to your home, workplace, or the side of the road. This costs more than going to their shop, but it is faster than waiting for a tow truck. Call a few locksmiths in your area and ask about mobile rates before you decide.

If you are locked out of your car and cannot start it, do not try to break in or hotwire it yourself. Call a locksmith or your roadside information service (if you have one through your insurance or a membership like AAA). They can open the car and make a key without damaging it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement key if I do not have my registration?

Yes, but it will take longer. Bring your driver's license and your car's VIN. The dealership or locksmith may call your insurance company or check the vehicle title at the DMV to verify ownership. Call ahead and ask what documents they will accept so you do not make a wasted trip.

How long does it take to get a replacement key?

A hardware store can cut a basic key in minutes. A locksmith usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. A dealership may take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on how busy they are. Call ahead to ask about wait times before you go.

Will my car insurance cover the cost of a replacement key?

Most car insurance policies do not cover lost keys. However, some roadside information plans or memberships like AAA do cover locksmith services. Check your policy or call your insurance company to find out. If you do not have coverage, a locksmith is usually cheaper than a dealership.

What if my key breaks in half instead of being lost?

If part of the key is still in the ignition or lock, do not try to remove it yourself. Call a locksmith to extract it safely. Once it is out, you can take the broken pieces to a locksmith or dealership to use as a template for a new key, or they can order a replacement using your VIN.

Do I need to reprogram my car's locks if I lose my keys?

No. Reprogramming the locks is expensive and unnecessary. A new key will work with your car's existing locks as long as it is cut correctly and programmed to your car's computer. You only need to reprogram locks if you are concerned someone else has a copy of your lost key, which is rare.