How to Get a Replacement Car Key Without the Original

The moment someone in Honolulu realizes they have lost their car keys is the same moment that their stress and frustration will begin. It won't take long until they realize that getting a replacement car key without access to the original will be a problem. After all, how do you get a lost car key replacement in Honolulu Hawaii if there is nothing to copy?

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If it happens to you, don't waste time on fret. There is a source that knows how to get a replacement car key without the original. What might that source be? Regardless of the circumstances, you can always get replacement car keys from a reliable car key locksmith like Honolulu Locksmith.

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At our company, we have a reputable team of locksmith technicians who are "car key makers" well-trained in the "art" of creating car key replacements in Honolulu. To put your mind at ease, let us educate you about the process.

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Steps to Take When You Lose Your Car Keys

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What you do in the initial moments after you realize you have an issue with lost car keys or lost key fob is critical. With no time to waste, there are certain steps you need to take on your way to getting your replacement car keys. For your peace of mind, we recommend you follow the following steps:

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Step #1: You are going to need assistance. Therefore, you need to be proactive and gather information about your car. That should include the car's make/model/year, the VIN#, as well as proof of ownership.

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Step #2: Make sure that your car is safe and secure. That means doors are locked in a safe place! If you are in a parking lot, inform a security official of your plight. It might prompt them to keep an eye on your vehicle. It's also possible your keys have been turned in to them.

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Step #3: With everything secure, it's time to reach out for help. You could start with your dealership but that might be a problem if it's after business hours. Also, going to the dealership might not be your best option for the reasons discussed below. Most of the time, reaching out to a top-rated car locksmith like us will be the right call.

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Types of Replacement Car Keys Explained

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We want to point out that any discussion here about car keys pertains to traditional metal keys, car key fobs, and transponders: Let's take a look at the process for securing a replacement key in each of these categories.

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Traditional Metal Car Keys

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This will require a traditional key-cutting process with whatever technology the locksmith is using. The specs for the key can be secured from the car manufacturer or dealer's database or manual key imprinting processes.
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Transponder Keys

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This will require specialized programming and electronic pairing of a new transponder key. Remember, there could be a metal key component that needs to be cut as well as a computer chip that needs to be programmed for reading by the car's onboard computer. The information will be available from the car manufacturer or dealer's database.
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Smart Keys and Key Fobs

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The process will require obtaining a new fob device and programming it to be read by the car's onboard computer. It's important to note that fob devices can have multiple functions (open doors/trunk, start ignition) that need to be addressed. The information will be available from the car manufacturer or dealer's database.
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The Replacement Process Without the Original Key

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To secure a new car key from a car locksmith, certain steps need to be followed.

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First, the locksmith technician is required to secure important documentation before they can proceed. They will need to see proof of the driver's identification and further proof of ownership or the driver's right to access the car. The car's VIN# will also be needed.

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Second, the locksmith can proceed once they have verified the aforementioned documentation. They'll start by securing the right raw materials (metal key, transponder key, fob). Once they have the right raw materials, they'll need to find the key cutting and or programming specs, using the VIN#. Once they have the raw materials and the right specs, they can produce the needed replacements.

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Finally, there will be a cost associated with getting replacement or duplicate car keys. The good news is that car key replacement costs for raw materials are not very expensive, though more expensive if purchased at the dealership. As for timelines, metal keys can be cut in a minute or two while transponder keys and fobs might require as much as an hour of work before they are functional.

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Avoiding Future Key Loss

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Once you have gone through the aggravation of getting a new key without the original, your interest in preventing such a problem in the future will increase. Here are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of losing keys again:

• Connect a key tracking device
• Make duplicate car keys and strategically allocate them
• Hook the key to a keychain that is connected to you

Dealerships vs. Mobile Locksmiths for Key Replacement

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In a couple of the preceding sections, we mentioned getting help from either the dealership or a professional locksmith. While we might be slightly biased, we are always looking out for the best interest of potential customers like you. With that in mind, we wanted to point out the pros & cons of relying on your dealership versus calling a locksmith.

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Dealerships:

Pros = brand-specific expertise

Cons = limited access, more expensive, longer wait times

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Mobile Locksmiths:

Pros = affordable, fast responses and servicing, cover all makes and models

Cons = more time needed to find key specs

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When to Call a Locksmith

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Your car keys and or fob devices are 100% necessary. That means you might have to endure problems such as car lockouts, broken keys, lost keys/devices, and computer malfunctions. As scary as this might seem, we stand as a top-rated car locksmith who is always ready to answer your call for help.
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We are a reputable full-service locksmith that's devoted to serving residents in Hawaii. Beyond our key replacement services, we also repair and fix locks and car ignitions, as well as take care of electronic security systems. These services and more are available for vehicles, homes, and commercial businesses.

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Our services are:

•  Affordable and competitive
• Come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
• Available 24/7/365
• Provided by technicians are licensed and bonded
• Delivered in 30 minutes or less

If you need a locksmith in this area, Honolulu Locksmith will always be the right call. We'll be here awaiting your call for help, ready to respond with the elite services you deserve.

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