Thousands of automobile owners lose their car keys each year. Having a spare set of keys can be a lifesaver. While you can get one from your dealership, chances are they will charge a high premium for it and take a much longer time to do it. If you are looking for a quicker, more reliable, and cost-effective route to getting spare keys for your car, you should talk to us at 3 Guys Locksmith.
3 Guys Locksmith is a full-service locksmith serving individual and business customers in and around Homestead, FL. We have extensive experience providing all kinds of locksmith services in North Miami and other neighborhoods. For affordable car key replacement, give us a call at 305-907-7707.
Why and When Do You Need a New Car Key?
When you buy a new car, all auto manufacturers provide two keys along with the vehicle. This is standard practice in the auto industry. Unfortunately, many dealerships maintain key-cutting machines on their premises or offer to source them from elsewhere, often with a considerable time lag and at exorbitant prices.
So, if you own a brand-new car, you probably don’t need to worry about replacement keys immediately. With that said, there are some situations where you have to urgently get a car key replacement. These could include the following:
You Lost/Damaged Your Spare Key
Spare keys often get misplaced since you don’t carry them around all the time. In particular, car keys and key fobs can get damaged, bent, or broken by accident. The components inside a key fob are fairly high-tech and can degrade over time and malfunction. This is yet another reason why you may need advanced automotive locksmith services.
Your Family has a New Driver
Two sets of keys are adequate if a family owns the car. But as your kids get older and get their driver’s licenses, things change dramatically. You will need at least one other spare key in situations such as this. When multiple individuals use the same family car, it makes sense to have a replacement car key or two available in the house.
You Bought a Used Car
Buying a second-hand vehicle is a very sensible move since new cars are overpriced and depreciate in value as soon as your vehicle leaves the dealership. And according to the rules, a used car dealer is supposed to provide the full set of keys and fobs when they sell you a car.
In practice, this is often not followed. Many used cars are sold with just one set of car keys. The dealer will offer to get you a spare key but will charge you extra. This is a common reason why car owners approach professional locksmiths for automotive locksmith services.
You Want to Sell Your Car
A used car with a full set of two keys/key fobs will have a much better resale value than a car with just one set. Getting an additional set is an extra step that people would prefer to avoid as much as possible.
If you go the extra mile and get a key replacement for that lost or misplaced spare, it will be a solid investment. In addition, the value of your vehicle will appreciate perceptibly, allowing you to charge a premium when you sell it.
Car Key Replacement – How Does it Work?
Car owners have two options when looking for a replacement key – the car dealership and an experienced local locksmith. Several factors will determine your final choice:
- Budget: Locksmiths are hands down the best option if you want affordable replacement keys and fobs. Dealers always charge a premium for such services.
- Make/Model: With some high-end brands like Audi, you may have to approach the dealer to get your replacement keys. Newer cars released in the last 3-4 years may also have some dealer restrictions on after-market spares.
- Type of Car Key Fob: If the car uses an old-fashioned physical key or programmable key fobs, you can easily get your replacement at a locksmith. Taking this into account, with modern smart keys and transponder keys, there may be some complications that leave you with a dealership as your sole option.
What Kind of Car Keys Can You Get at 3 Guys Locksmith?
The expert technicians at 3 Guys Locksmith can help you get replacement keys for a wide range of new and old vehicles. We can handle the following types of standard keys:
- Regular Car Keys
- Programmable Key Fobs
- Programmable Smart Keys
- Programmable Transponder Keys
Our car key services are unavailable only in exceptional cases where your car manufacturer has explicitly blocked the release of aftermarket transponder key replacement services. This move is usually done on new and premium/luxury vehicles released in the last five years or so.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Car Key Replacement with Us?
With modern machines and technology, cutting and programming key fobs and transponder keys is relatively fast. At an accomplished and dedicated full-service auto locksmith like 3 Guys, you can pick up most car key replacements ready in a matter of minutes.
Complications only arise if you need to replace the entire lock and key due to body damage. Otherwise, bring along your car with the original keys/proof of ownership, and we can get you a car key replacement within 30 minutes!
3 Guys Locksmith – Your Friendly Neighborhood Lock and Key Expert in Miami
3 Guys Locksmith is a dedicated, locally owned business in Homestead, FL. We offer a wide range of automotive, commercial, and residential locksmith services in North Miami, Coral Gables, Aventura, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and other neighborhoods. Our locksmith services are available round the clock. For replacement of lost car keys with prompt service at reasonable rates, call us at 305-907-7707, or use this online form to schedule an appointment today.