I lost my only set of car keys so I contacted a 24 hour locksmith (it was midnight when I lost them and needed to get home) and he charged $180 to basically open the car door and make a key using the lock from my trunk... which took less than15 minutes. Was I ripped off?
Also, does anyone know how I would go about getting a genuine key (one w/ the black plastic embedded at the body of the key) and another keyless entry remote?
All responses are greatly appreciated!
2007-08-20 21:10:47 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
To receive more precise answers, I would like to add that my car works with a basic key, not with one with a security chip.
Thanks so far everyone!
2007-08-20 22:57:14 · update #1
If it's a recent car you'll have to get a key from the manufacturer which is going to cost you at least a couple of hundred bucks (new cars have engine immobilisers that require a chip in the car key to be present before the car will start, it does prevent car theft very well so it's worth it).
You'd need to contact the manufacturer of the car or the nearest dealer about getting a new key. Though you said that it works with a normal key so I don't really see the point in getting a genuine key, it'd just be a waste of money.
I doubt you were ripped off, you did get the locksmith's service at an awkward time anyway.
2007-08-20 22:37:52 · answer #1 · answered by bestonnet_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make A Key Locksmith
2016-11-08 07:19:00 · answer #2 · answered by hice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Lost car keys... and curious how much a locksmith normally charges.?
I lost my only set of car keys so I contacted a 24 hour locksmith (it was midnight when I lost them and needed to get home) and he charged $180 to basically open the car door and make a key using the lock from my trunk... which took less than15 minutes. Was I ripped off?
Also, does anyone know...
2015-08-20 18:40:32 · answer #3 · answered by Timoteo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow!! That's steep! I would contact your local dealership ~ They should be able to cut you a new key for your car with just the vin # alone. Not sure how much this will cost. I suppose it depends on the type of key that you have. Usually pass keys (with built in security chips in thjem) cost more. Either way, it's worth looking into. It might be a lot cheaper than a locksmith. The keyless entry is going to cost ya.. I had to buy a 2nd one for a van that we bought back in 2002. It had to be programmed to match the codes to my vehicle and if I remember correctly, I wound up playing 60 + bucks for the dang thing. Good luck. I hope this helps and that you find your original keys..
2007-08-20 21:20:56 · answer #4 · answered by ryanandwendy98 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your local authorized dealer makes keys not a locksmith. They already have the code in their system. All you need to do is take your car registeration and two pieces of ID. It usually takes less than 10minutes. Although some keys can take upto 48 hours. Find a dealership near you online and give them a call.
2007-08-28 14:19:58 · answer #5 · answered by jflsdkjflsad 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
to be honest you cant say you were ripped off, can you make a new key for your car with out a copy anywhere else, and he had to go to you so he spent gas to get there. just be lucky your key is not chipped, its like $200 just to make a coy of the key that you have and it has to be done at the dealer. another thing you could do is call the dealer, some dealers can get a copy of your key by looking up the vin number,
and do what i do keep a spare key in your wallet, just in case you lock the key inside lose the keys what ever it will stay in your pocket.
2007-08-27 16:05:11 · answer #6 · answered by phatmazdarx7 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say you have been over charged but often they get a minimum call out of 3 hours labour
I suggest you get a spare key made and wire it to somewhere on the car that you can retrieve it if ever needed Wrap some tape around the tongue and that will stop it getting damaged You will need the key number to get a genuine key from the Dealer
2007-08-20 21:23:44 · answer #7 · answered by Duigan 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
180 is not bad at all. The dealer will not come out to you at midnight and AAA will charge you just as much if you lost you key. I used to work for them doing just this. Because it took 15 minutes just means the guy knows his stuff. Would you feel better if some guy came and was fumbling around for 3 hours?
2016-07-19 05:44:12 · answer #8 · answered by josh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-09 18:43:57 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you did have to get home....The prices we pay when we have to......Go to the dealership/take ID and registration they should make you a key....Call just to make sure they can have it done when you arrive...
Time is money
2007-08-20 21:48:28 · answer #10 · answered by angelcalledcaleb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋