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Lost All Your Car Keys? What to Do Next
No spare and no key? You are not stuck. Here is what to do, what to gather, and how a replacement key is made in Durham, NC.
What to do when you have lost every key
A lost-all-keys situation sounds worse than it is. A locksmith can make a new key for most vehicles, and a mobile locksmith comes to the car so you do not have to tow it first.
The main thing a locksmith needs is proof that the car is yours and enough information to identify it.
Steps to take
- Retrace your steps and check pockets, bags, the car and anywhere you were. Keys are often closer than they seem.
- Check for a spare at home, with a family member or in a lockbox.
- Gather your vehicle information: year, make, model and the VIN. The VIN is on the registration, the insurance card, and a plate on the dashboard visible through the windshield.
- Have your ID and proof of ownership ready: registration or title. A legitimate locksmith will ask for it.
- Call a locksmith and tell them where the car is, and whether it is at home or on the road.
How a replacement key is made
What happens once the locksmith is with your car.
The key is cut
The blade is cut to match your car, using the vehicle information. No original key is needed.
The key is programmed
Most cars from the late 1990s onward have a chip in the key. The new key has to be paired with the car before it will start. See car key and fob programming explained.
Lost keys can be removed
On many vehicles, the lost keys can be erased from the car so a found key will no longer start it.
Fob and remote added
If you also need a remote or smart key, say so on the call. See key fob replacement.
Situations we handle
Lost-key calls usually fall into one of these:
- You have no keys at all and the car is at home.
- The keys are gone and the car is parked somewhere else.
- You have one key and want a spare made before you lose it.
- The keys were stolen and you want them disabled.
Details on our service: lost car keys and car key replacement.
Lost car key help by town
We come to you in Durham, Chapel Hill and nearby Wake County. Find your town:
Lost Car Key Questions
Can you make a car key with no original?
For most vehicles, yes. We use your vehicle information to cut and program a new key. Call (919) 769-3432 with your year, make and model and we will tell you if there is anything special about your car.
Do I have to tow the car?
In many cases no. A mobile locksmith comes to the car. Some vehicles are harder than others, so ask when you call.
What proof of ownership do I need?
Photo ID plus registration or title that matches the car. This protects you, because it stops someone else from getting a key to your car.
If I find my old key, will it still start the car?
On many vehicles the lost keys can be erased when the new key is programmed. Ask about it when you book.
How much will it cost?
The price depends on the job, your vehicle or lock, and where you are. Call (919) 769-3432, tell us what is going on, and you will hear the price before we start work.
What are your hours?
We work 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, seven days a week.
Do you serve my town?
Durham Locksmith serves Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Morrisville, Research Triangle Park, Cary and Apex, plus Knightdale, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Zebulon and Garner in NC.
Lost Your Car Keys in Durham?
Call Durham Locksmith with your car year, make and model. You get a price and an arrival window before we head out.
(919) 769-3432