How to replace a lost car key?

[u/RubyRoyale]

I have a 2006 Honda CRV and I lost my key. There are two services here that come to you. One wants $500 to come asap, and the other wants $200 but can come in "2-10 days" with no specific time commitment. It's not an emergency, the car is fine where it is and I can borrow another car in the meantime.

I'm nervous to be taken for a ride, pun intended.

I've seen car key replacement kits online for less money and I don't understand how it works.

How do I replace my car key?

[u/iOSCaleb]

There are three ways that a new key has to be customized for your vehicle: the key blank itself has to be cut to match your vehicle’s locks and ignition; the remote fob has to be programmed; and the security transponder chip has to be programmed so that the engine will start using your new key.

Assuming the locks in the vehicle haven’t been changed the dealer or an automotive locksmith should be able to look up the key code for your vehicle and use that to cut a new key. That’s something that you probably aren’t equipped to do on your own, so I’d rule out the cheap-sounding DIY option.

I don’t think the $200 is out of line in the US, but an 8-day window isn’t convenient. I’d call around to other locksmiths in your area (I’m sure there are more than two) and ask for quotes or recommendations. It’s worth also calling your local Honda dealer; if they can’t help without having the vehicle there, they might recommend someone.

[u/hey_bacchus → u/iOSCaleb]

Honda quoted me I think 150 for a fob and key for my 2004 civic. Should be similar to a 2006 CRV. And that’s stealership prices, so I wouldn’t even bother going to some clown that needs a whole week to come out for that same price, or twice that regardless of how fast they come lol

[u/RubyRoyale → u/iOSCaleb]

Thank you!

[u/iOSCaleb → u/RubyRoyale]

Might be smart to ask about a spare key at the same time. Making two probably isn’t much more work than one, so might not cost too much more.

[u/Low_Employ8454]

I dunno for regular consumers. But going off my job, which is sometimes roadside stuff, usually if you have no key to copy you have to go to the dealer bc they need to hook the vehicle itself up to a computer to program it, basically, while the key itself gets cut and shipped to the dealer. May be different w a 2006 vehicle tho.

[u/RubyRoyale → u/Low_Employ8454]

Thank you!

[u/goat20202020]

Check with your insurance/roadside assistance. They may have a cheaper option available.

[u/RubyRoyale → u/goat20202020]

Thank you!

[u/RetiredBSN]

Cars usually come with a little metal tag with the key code stamped on it. This should be stored someplace where you can remember and find it if you lose the actual key. The dealership should be able to recut the key using that code, and then program it to your vehicle, if it's a smart key.

[u/RubyRoyale → u/RetiredBSN]

Thank you!

[u/Roswyne]

Do you have a spare key/fob at home?

Copying is always faster and cheaper than getting a brand new key through the dealer.

[u/fap-on-fap-off]

If you lost one but have one, they can come it relatively cheaply. If you have nothing, it will be expensive.

[u/Beach_bum8]

You should be able to go-to one of those kiosks in Walmart. They didn't have chips in keys in 2006.