How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys. Contacting your local dealer locksmith is typically the best method to begin. To make a new key, they will need proof of ownership along with the old key.
However, this is not always the most economical way to go.
Traditional Keys
Metal keys for cars were once the most popular. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key is then put into the cylinder for ignition and then turned to start the car. If you lose a traditional key, it is less expensive than other types of keys to replace them.
You can have a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you wait. They will need to know the make and model of your car, as well as the year it was made. The locksmith may also require proof of ownership to verify your rights to purchase keys.
Transponder keys are increasingly used in vehicles that are newer. These are a bit more costly to replace than traditional keys, but they're more secure from theft. The head of a transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with the car's computer system, ensuring that only the correct key can be used to start the car.
When the car is sold the transponder keys' chips will be programmed with a code. Some of them use rolling codes which send an additional code each time the key is used. This makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate the code. If you own a modern vehicle that has a transponder keys that you keep, make sure to keep it in a safe location.
Transponder keys last longer than standard metal ones, but are more costly to replace in the case of the loss. You'll need to call your dealer for an alternate transponder key should you lose one. You'll need to supply your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer what car it's compatible with.
You'll also need to provide the serial number of your car. This number can be found on a label that's located on the door of the driver or on the owner's manual. It is important to keep these numbers handy because they will help you find your car if it's stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
If you own a car made in the last 20 years or so it is likely that your key has transponder chips. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your particular car, meaning that only you can start it. To ensure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will be locked when it discovers that the code on your key is not compatible with its code.
These keys are an excellent feature for your vehicle as they discourage car theft. Hot wiring is a method that thieves have employed to start cars. However, once cars began with transponder chips, it became more difficult to steal them because the thief needs to have the right key to transmit the signal required to start your car.
Luckily, if you have a traditional key and you lose it, a locksmith local to you can cut you a brand new one right away and remove the old one from your car's system. If you own a transponder or a fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to purchase a new one. This is because the dealer needs to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in order to order the appropriate key for your particular vehicle.
They must ensure that the key they purchase for you is compatible with your vehicle in order to be capable of starting it up and unlock its doors. You will also need to provide proof of ownership, like your registration or title in order to get the replacement key from the dealership. This kind of replacement might be more expensive, but it's well worth it when you consider the possibility that your car key was stolen. If you're concerned about the cost, make sure to check if your warranty or insurance will cover the cost. If it isn't, you will probably have to take your car to the dealer to have it towed, and then order it from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest kind of car key is designed to work like an electronic remote, allowing motorists to open doors and start engines without having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as keys that do not require keyless entry or remote control keys and are generally less expensive to replace than older, more traditional varieties. They're not impervious to damage however, neither are other electronic devices used by consumers. They are also easy to lose and can cease to function as they move around in your bag or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that allows the driver to unlock and start the vehicle. When the fob is tapped on an inside sensor, the code is read and the doors open and the engine begins. Certain fobs have additional features, such as an option to summon the car (similar in function to the Tesla summon feature).
If you have lost your key fob, ensure that your keys aren't locked in bags or purses that is secured. Then, if they are not in the bag, go through your day and see the places you might have lost the keys. You can also look in your pockets, bags you may have had, or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You might be able to find your keys in the place you put them, or where you put them in your bag when you went to buy something.
You can buy replacement key fobs on the internet, however they need to be programmed for your vehicle. Some, such as the ones used by Audi and Subaru need visiting a dealership for them to be reprogrammed according to match your particular key. The good news is that roadside assistance firms like AAA can help you with this.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will program and cut the fob they purchase elsewhere for less than they would if they did exactly the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace the outer shell of certain key fobs, leaving the electronics inside in good working order. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to find out if you have any coverage that covers this.
Chipped Keys
Cars have become more technologically advanced over the years, which has lead to more sophisticated car keys. Contrary to traditional keys that could be copied at a locksmith, these newer car keys require a special machine to duplicate. This means that it can be more expensive to replace lost car keys when they are equipped with a chip inside the keys.
If you lose your transponder chip key or it is stolen from you, you will need to contact the local dealership to get a replacement. They can do this since they keep a record of your security information and can connect the new chip to your car without much hassle. The process can take a few more days due to the dealer having to purchase the key directly from the manufacturer.
A professional locksmith can make an exact duplicate of your transponder keys. The process is more complex than going to the dealership however it will save you lots of money in the long run. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to request an exact duplicate. The VIN number can be found on your insurance policy, or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.
You'll also require an original duplicate of your old key that you can bring to the locksmith. lost a car key can match the cuts made by the key. If you can't locate your old key, then look in the trunk and other places where it could be hidden. Check your pockets and bags. You don't know where you left your keys, or if they fell out of your bag as you were searching for something else.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, you should immediately start looking for them. First, make sure that you don't have them at home or at the office. Next, carefully review your day to determine if they could be lost. After you've checked your bags and empty your pockets It's time to employ advanced search techniques.