Lost Car Keys? Not Anymore!

Sounds too good to be true right?

You will never have to wonder where you put the keys or which child last had the remote control last. A new anti theft location mechanism is hitting the market in early 2014 it is called the TILE, this little piece of magic hooks onto key chains, self adheres itself to just about anything from cell phones , laptops, remote controls, bikes and yes cars. It is considered the biggest lost and found in the world using your smart device to assist you in locating whatever it is that you have the tile attached to. Since it is still in beta it is only currently compatible with the iPhones and iPods but they are expecting to have full smart device capability soon.

In short this little tile once registered with the app will show you exactly where whatever it is attached to is at within 150ft from your location, the benefit of having other people who also use this app is that if you are out of range yet there is someone else with the tile app near your lost item it will automatically update the location of your tile on your app so the more users the more coverage.

 Another great feature is this device also has a speaker built in so you are able to sound an alarm to assist with locating your device, so when the remote is stuck in the couch cushions instead of looking for it you are now able to just listen for it. The tile does not take batteries so you will never need to search around for the right size battery the tile holds a full charge for about a year and then you will need to replace it with a new one. At a reasonable price of around $20 it’s not a bad investment especially if you are like every other person on the planet who simply cannot remember where you put your cell phone or keys.

 As a locksmith company this type of technology does not threaten our way of life, we are always looking for new ways to assist our customers out. But remember the easiest way to replace lost or stolen keys is to call a locksmith but it never hurts to have a backup plan and the tile seems to be a perfect idea. The alarm feature is great for things lost inside the house and the location feature that shows when you are getting closer is perfect for those dark nights when you dropped your keys or cannot remember where you parked your car. Since the TILE will not be available until 2014 make sure to have your local locksmith’s number on file and ready to go in case you lose your keys, unfortunately we are unable to assist you with lost cell phones, remotes or vehicles.

If you are going to order this device please let us know in the comment section below!

Car Key Replacement

If you have ever lost your vehicle key you already know exactly how frustrating of a time it can be, not only are you now unable to get where you need to be but car key replacement is not the cheapest service anymore. Since the 1990’s most vehicles have come equipped with a higher security key known as a transponder key. This transponder key has a small computer chip embedded inside of it that communicates with your vehicle confirming that it is the correct key which allows the ignition to turn over so you can drive. Keys with this chip inside of them are much more expensive than people are used to in the old days you could simply go to your local hardware store pay a few dollars and obtain a copy of your vehicle key. Not anymore; now to get a copy of your key before you lose it you must either go to your dealership or have them order it for you or call your local locksmith company and have them create the duplicate key that matches your vehicle.

Getting a copy of your key is much easier than getting total car key replacement, it is always wise to make sure you have a copy before you need it but sometimes that is not the way things work out. Car key replacement is much more involved now than it was even 20 years ago. Since like previously stated vehicles come equipped with transponder keys, car key replacement now requires the skills of a trained professional. You are still able to go to the dealership but most of the time you are going to have to spend some extra money to get the vehicle towed over to the dealer so they can use the vin and ignition. If you would like to save a few extra bucks your best bet is to call your local locksmith company and have them come right out to your location to make your car key replacement right there on site. Now even though the locksmith option will save you money on the towing fees you must still understand that car key replacement is not a cheap service. Most vehicle keys blank meaning no cuts in them or any programming cost the locksmith company anywhere from $60-$90. Now once the key is obtained making the proper cuts in it to fit into your ignition also cost money usually around $20-$40 dollars depending on the machine needed to do the cuts. You see some keys require the laser cutting machine which requires key codes that are bought from the manufacture to put the cuts in your key. If your car key replacement requires the laser machine chances are you will pay more than someone who does not require this high tech machine. Another cost is incurred when it comes to car key replacement that is the programming of the key to your vehicle again this will all vary on the maker of your vehicle ranging between $30-$90.

So let’s break it down; we will go middle of the road for you to get a roundabout idea as to what it is going to cast you to get a car key replacement.  $165 dollars is the average costs to get a car key replacement now remember this price can vary depending on the type of vehicle you own, it could be more or it could be less. By contacting your local locksmith and providing them with the year, make and model of your vehicle you can receive the exact price for your car key replacement.

How To Choose The Right Locksmith!

When it comes to choosing a locksmith if it is not an emergency situation it is just like finding a service provider for any other service you may need like a plumber. You will go online and search for local locksmiths close to your home or if you are in need of a specific service you will search for a locksmith who can perform it for you. And like every other service you are searching for the lowest price, everyone loves a deal am I right?

Well when you go on the internet and search for a locksmith you will be blown away with how many results you end up with, so now what? I guess click through them all and see whose website you like best? No I have a few simple steps to follow to help you select the right locksmith for your needs.

The first thing you are going to want to do when choosing a locksmith is find out if they are even able to perform the task you require, although most locksmiths online will say they can do it all this is not always the case. Let’s say for example you are in need of a new vehicle key for your 2010 ford, so you go online and type “need new key for my car” WOW all these locksmiths can make me a new key and this one says services starting from $15 that’s who I am going to call. So you call this locksmith who is advertising the lowest prices and say I need a key for my car, after you tell them the year make and model and the answer is “I’m sorry we can’t help you” why? Well most keys for vehicles produced in the 2000’s require a transponder key and to be programmed to your vehicle and most online locksmiths are unable to perform this task. It takes a skilled professional automotive locksmith to be able to properly cut and program these high security keys. So our first tip is to make sure the locksmith you are calling advertises that they are able to perform the job you need.

After you get in touch with a locksmith company who is able to take care of your locksmith problem it is time to weed out the frauds! While on the phone with the company simply ask are you licensed? Not all areas require licensing for locksmiths but most reputable locksmiths are registered and insured so be sure to ask what their accreditation's are.

After verifying your locksmith is a professional the next tip is to make sure you get the full price before they send the technician out, you see even licensed locksmiths like to play the starts at pricing game. This is where they will tell you a low staring price over the phone, send their tech out to your location, perform the service and all of a sudden the price is triple what you were quoted. The easiest way to avoid being taken advantage of is to ask the questions and confirm the price before they send anyone out. A professional locksmith who performs these tasks each and every day of their life will be able to provide you with the exact price for any service you require you just have to ask. Now if they are only able to give you an estimate due to the nature of your needs do not be to hesitant write down what they tell you and when the technician arrives settle on a price before any work begins.

By ensuring that the locksmith you choose is a licensed professional and can give you a price for the work you require you should be safe guarded against the less than reputable locksmith companies out there trying to make a quick buck off an uneducated consumer.

To avoid all of this hassle simply click here and get a professional no nonsense locksmith out to you location 24 hours a day 7 days a week.