Sometimes you get that super-sweet second set of keys when you buy a car. Other times, you only get one and have to protect that key with your life. But if you-know-what happens and you end up fresh out of car keys, you should know what to do to get yourself a replacement set or two and back to driving as usual. 

Lost your car keys? You have options beyond pushing your car off a cliff

Well, what now? You’ve lost that last set of car keys. Perhaps flushed down the toilet by a precocious young toddler or simply lost to the oblivion of a high-paced life. It doesn’t matter, because you have a few options to get your hands on another car key or two. The trickiest bit is choosing which path to take. 

Go to the dealer

For starters, you could contact your local dealership and request a new set of car keys. Typically, a dealer will be able to replace just about any kind of modern key, including smart keys, transponder keys, or even an aging switchblade key.

However, going the dealership route will almost certainly be the priciest option. Depending on the make, model, and style of key, getting that replacement could cost $500 or more. Ouch. 

Contact a licensed locksmith

So, if you don’t want to go the dealership route, you can contact a locksmith. Search for listings with a history of positive reviews and car keys included on the list of services.

With traditional cut keys, a good locksmith can often make a set while you wait. What’s more, a locksmith should be able to cut a duplicate traditional key for as little as $10 if you have a key and don’t require them to come out to you. However, smart keys, electronic fobs, and transponder keys may not fit within a locksmith’s services.

Check first, but your local hardware store might have things covered

Believe it or not, you can head to a hardware store, and they may be able to cut car keys while you wait. However, hardware stores are typically limited to simple, traditional keys, rather than laser cut or keyless operations. 

Call roadside assistance services like AAA

Finally, if you’re stranded without a key to use, you can call roadside services. Many American motorists opt for services through AAA, but you might have access to roadside assistance through your insurance provider or banking institution without knowing it.

Roadside assistance can access automotive locksmith services and dispatch them to your location. However, with how complicated some modern smart keys can be, a mobile solution may not always work.