Losing your car keys is one of the most common reasons for a call to a locksmith. Whether you dropped them into a river while fishing, lost them in the woods on a hike or left them at a restaurant while eating out, losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. It’s also a costly one, depending on the type of car you have and how it is equipped.
Most cars built within the last ten years have key fobs that use electronic transponders to lock and start the vehicle. These types of keys can be expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen, but are a necessary part of your vehicle’s technology. The most cost effective way to get your replacement key is through a local locksmith that provides automotive services. They can offer competitive upfront pricing and honest service to their clients.
There are many different Car Key Replacement DC programs available to help you cut down on the costs of replacing your vehicle keys and remote transponders. These programs are often only a few dollars a month and can save you hundreds of dollars on replacement key costs. They can also come with many other benefits such as roadside assistance and rental discounts while you are traveling.
You can find these programs at your dealership or online through a locksmith company. However, you should always check the reliability of the program that you choose. You can do this by reading reviews and checking the reputation of the company. It’s also a good idea to get prices from a few different companies before making a decision. This will give you an idea of the average cost for your specific car model.
The most popular program is offered through your dealership and is usually fairly simple. They can replace your keys and remote transponders if they are lost, stolen or destroyed. They will also deprogram any lost or stolen keys, so they cannot be used by anyone else. You will need to provide proof of purchase to qualify for the program, so you should keep all of your paperwork from your original car key purchase.
Another option is to go to a third party locksmith that can make the replacement key for you. This can be a cheaper option, but it will depend on the quality of the work and the workshop that you choose. A professional automotive locksmith can provide you with a quality key that will fit your vehicle perfectly. They will also be able to reprogram the key if you need it. They can even offer a warranty on their work to provide peace of mind. Lastly, you can always ask your auto insurance if they cover the cost of a new key. Most of them do, but it’s a good idea to contact your insurance agent before you go through this process to ensure that you have proper coverage.