Blog Post

How to get a new car key made without the original

Stephen Wylde • Jul 21, 2020

Locked your keys inside yourcar?

It happens to the best of us andit doesn’t make you, in any way, an irresponsible driver. But, as far as carsgo, they are pretty useless with a broken key or with no key at all. That’s whymany people resort to car key replacement .

NLS Security is one of theUK’s leading locksmiths – based in Newcastle. We have a dedicated autolocksmith centre and specialise in:

· Car keys programming

· Complete car keys

· Laser key cutting

· Lost key replacements

· Non-destructive vehicle entry

· Opening locked vehicles

· Spare car keys

· Transponder key and remote programming

Car key replacements usuallygo very smoothly and take just a few minutes to do. However, it can be a littlemore complicated when the original key isn’t present.

Here we look at how you canget a new car key made – when you don’t have the original key:

1. Determinewhich key you have

Before you reach out to yourrespective car dealership or start searching for ‘locksmith near me’, you needto figure out what type of key you have. Knowing this will help to facilitatethe whole process and ensure you get the right car key.

Now, you don’t necessarilyneed to have the original set of keys at hand, you simply need to know whetheryour car uses a traditional mechanical key, a transponder key or car key fob.

At our retail shop inNewcastle , we stock most types of key and transponders and have ateam of mobile locksmiths who are experts in key cutting and can openvehicles that don’t have the original key.

2. Choos ea key replacement solution

Once you know what type of keyis paired with your vehicle, the next step is to look at choosing areplacement. As we briefly touched on before, there are several differentavenues that you can down for key cutting, from scheduling anappointment with a car dealership or calling a locksmith.

The best solution for youcomes down to your budget, as well as how fast you need the replacement. Mostdrivers choose the most cost-effective option which happens to be an autolocksmith.

Calling a locksmith, like usat NLS Security, will generally save you money and there’s the added bonus thatwe’re mobile so can come out to you and resolve the problem as quickly as wecan. But of course, the choice is entirely yours.

3. Gatherthe required information about your vehicle

Key cuttingwithout the original involves using your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)which can be found on the dashboard or engine bay. The VIN makes it easier toidentify which key corresponds to your vehicle and, in turn, makes it easier toproduce a new car key without having the original.

4. Waitfor your replacement

After providing the dealershipor locksmith with the necessary information, all that’s left to do is waitpatiently. Please be aware that the process of key cutting without theoriginal can take longer than it would if the original key was present as thiswould simply need key duplication.

Call NLS to get your new carkey made today

Here at NLS, we know how easyit can be to lock your keys in the car – especially after loading the boot withshopping and returning your trolley. But it can be very inconvenient too whichis where our MLA (Master Locksmith Association) locksmiths come in.

We are on hand 24/7 and coverall areas in the North East. Our auto locksmiths can come and meet you at yourlocation and assist you in getting a new car key made. We’ll have you back inyour car in no time! For more information, call 0191 238 6000 or send an emailto info@nlssecurity.co.uk .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my car key replaced without the original?

People need replacement car keys for all types of reasons.

Have you locked your car key in your car boot or misplaced it whilst out and about? Maybe you just can’t find it after seemingly looking absolutely everywhere, or even somehow managed to break it.

Replacing a car key is a simple enough process, but it gets slightly more complicated when you don’t have access to the original. That’s not to say it can’t be done, though.

If you find yourself locked out of your car without your car key, you have two options:

• Contact your car dealership to make an appointment to buy a new car key

• Get in touch with your local auto locksmith for a replacement

Car dealers tend to charge a premium for replacement car keys, and often outsource this work to an auto locksmith anyway. So, cutting out the middleman and contacting an auto locksmith directly can be the faster and more affordable option.

Plus, to give you peace of mind, if you choose to use an auto locksmith, they will usually programme out your old key or reconfigure the lock in case your keys have fallen into the wrong hands.
How much will it cost to get a new car key?

The cost of replacing your car key varies depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of key required.

Unfortunately, if you don’t have access to the original car key, then you will most likely need to pay a little bit more due to the extra steps required to create your new key.

The cost also depends on who you go to when replacing your car key. Contacting your car dealership to buy a new car key is usually a slightly more expensive option.

The more wallet-friendly option would be to contact your local auto locksmith. They will be able to programme or cut a replacement for you without needing the original.

Plus, they might already have a blank key that matches your car, so it could also be much quicker than arranging an appointment with your car dealership.

Further saving you money, many auto locksmiths are mobile, meaning you won’t have to pay for public transport or a taxi or even ask for a lift from a friend to get your new key.

If you want to find out more about how much it will cost you to replace your car key, get in touch with our expert team by calling us on 0191 238 6000.
Do I need to provide any information to the auto locksmith?

If you don’t have access to your original car key for any reason, you will need to provide your auto locksmith with some information.

To help them identify which key corresponds with your vehicle, the most important information your auto locksmith will need is your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This can usually be found on your dashboard or engine bay. Providing this number makes the whole process much easier.

You should also let your auto locksmith know the make, model, and year of your car so they can identify which type of key is needed.

Most auto locksmiths will ask for your V5C logbook as well as a form of ID to make sure you’re the legal owner of the car.

So, to make this whole process slightly smoother for both you and your auto locksmith, make sure you have all the information required to hand before you contact them.
How long will it take to get a new car key without the original?

Usually getting a new car key only takes a few minutes. However, it takes slightly longer if you don’t have your original key to hand.

Should you choose to get a new car key from your car dealership, you will likely need to make an appointment, which could possibly take a few days – or even longer if it’s a busy time of year.
If you choose to get your new car key from an auto locksmith, the process will be quicker – though still not as quick as if you had your original key.

The length of time it takes to get your new car key also depends on the type of key, as well as the make and model of your car. If your auto locksmith must order your key blank in specially, it will take longer. That said, chances are it still won’t take as long as going through your car dealership.

Here at NLS Security, we’re on hand 24/7, so you don’t need to wait around for too long at any time of day or night. Give us a call on 0191 238 6000 for help with getting a replacement car key.