Losing your car keys is stressful, especially when you’re far from home, late for work, or standing in a parking lot with no way to start your vehicle. Most drivers assume the dealership is the only place to get a new key—but in most cases, a professional automotive locksmith can help faster, cheaper, and with far less hassle.
Here’s what you should do the moment you realize your keys are missing, and why choosing a locksmith is often the smartest option.
1. Stay Calm and Confirm the Keys Are Truly Lost
Before moving forward, check the most common places:
- pockets
- bag compartments
- center console
- between car seats
- jacket pockets
- gym bags or backpacks
- desk drawers
If you used your car recently, retrace your last steps. Keys often fall between seats or slip out while unloading the trunk.
2. Gather the Information Your Locksmith Will Need
To quickly replace your key, the locksmith will ask for a few basic details:
- Year, make, and model of your vehicle
- Your VIN number (usually visible on the dashboard or inside the driver door)
- Whether your car uses a traditional key, transponder key, remote, or key fob
- Your current location (for mobile service)
This helps your locksmith arrive fully prepared with the correct tools, programming equipment, and key blanks.
3. Don’t Tow the Car — Let the Locksmith Come to You
Dealerships often require you to tow your vehicle to them, especially for smart keys and chip keys.
A locksmith eliminates that step entirely.
Professional automotive locksmiths provide mobile service, meaning they:
- come directly to your location
- cut the new key on-site
- program it to your vehicle
- test everything before leaving
This is faster, more convenient, and significantly more affordable.
4. Understand the Type of Key Your Car Uses
Most modern vehicles use one of these key types:
Traditional Metal Key
Simple, no programming required.
Transponder Key (Chipped Key)
Contains a microchip that must be programmed to your vehicle’s immobilizer.
Remote Key / Flip Key
Requires cutting + electronic programming.
Smart Key / Push-to-Start Fob
Must be paired with your vehicle using advanced programming tools.
Automotive locksmiths work with all of these—dealerships often charge far more for the exact same service.
5. Why a Locksmith Is Faster (and Cheaper) Than a Dealer
Choosing a professional locksmith like Tustan Locksmith can save you time, money, and frustration.
Speed
Locksmiths usually provide same-day service, while dealerships may require appointments.
Cost
Locksmiths typically charge 40–60% less than dealerships for key replacement and programming.
Convenience
No towing, no waiting rooms, no multi-day delays.
Complete Solution
Locksmiths can:
- cut the key
- program it
- sync remote functions
- fix ignition issues if needed
Dealers often handle these steps separately, increasing time and costs.
6. When to Consider Rekeying or Additional Security
If your key was stolen rather than misplaced, ask about:
- deleting the old key from your car’s computer
- reprogramming your immobilizer
- cutting a new key with updated security
- ignition rekeying for added protection
This ensures your lost key can’t be used to access or steal your vehicle.
Need a New Car Key Fast? Tustan Locksmith Can Help
Our automotive locksmith team provides fast, reliable, on-site key replacement for all vehicle types—including transponder keys, remotes, and smart keys.
Call us for immediate assistance:
Call: +1 (971) 404-5928
Visit our Gresham locations on Stark St and Burnside Rd
We’ll get you back on the road—quickly, safely, and affordably.
