How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a major hassle to lose your car keys. Calling your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best way to begin. They'll need proof of ownership as well as the key that was used to make a new one.
This is not always the most cost-effective way to travel.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of steel were the first kind of car key. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key is placed into the cylinder for ignition and turned to turn off the car. If you have lost a traditional key it can cost less than other keys to get a replacement.
You can have a classic key made by an automotive locksmith while you wait. The locksmith will require the model, make and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also require proof of ownership to verify your rights to purchase keys.
If you have a more recent vehicle, it's likely to have a transponder key. They are a little more expensive to replace than conventional keys, but they're more safe from theft. The head of a transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with the car's computer system, ensuring that only the right key is able to start it.
The chips in modern transponder keys are generally programmed with a specific code when the car is sold for the first time. Some of them employ 'rolling codes' which send an individual code each time they are used, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate the key. If you have a modern vehicle that has a transponder keys that you keep, make sure to keep it in a secure place.
Transponder keys last longer than traditional metal keys, however they are more costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss. If you lose a transponder lock, you'll need to contact the dealer to get a new one. You'll need to provide your VIN which is a 17-digit number that informs the dealer of the vehicle it's compatible with.
You'll also need to provide the serial number of the car. This number can be found on a sticker placed on the door to the driver's side or an entry in your owner's manual. These numbers are important because they can aid in locating your car in the event that it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
Your car key may have a transponder if your car was manufactured within the last 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your specific vehicle so that only the owner can start it. Your transmission will lock your car if it detects the key does not match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the car.
These keys are a great feature for your car because they deter theft of cars. In the past, thieves of cars could just touch two wires and use them to start your car in an operation called hot wiring. When cars began to use transponder chip technology and transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal the car as the burglar required a key that was the right one in order to send a signal to start the vehicle.
If you have an old-fashioned car key and lose it, you can get a new one cut right on the spot by a locksmith local to you. The old one will be removed from your vehicle's system. On lost car key and no spare , if you own an electronic transponder or fob key, you'll be required to visit the dealership to get it replaced. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to get the correct key for your vehicle.
This is because they have to make sure that the key that they're ordering for you is paired with your particular vehicle in order to begin it and unlock your doors. To obtain a replacement key, you will need to prove ownership, such as your registration or title. This may make this type of replacement a bit more expensive but in the end, it's worth it if you consider that your car's key could be stolen. If you are concerned about the cost of replacing your lost car key, you should determine if it's covered by your warranty or insurance. If not, you'll need to bring your car to a dealer to have it towed and purchase the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest kind of car key is designed to function like an electronic remote, allowing motorists to open doors and start engines without the need to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as remote control or keyless entry keys, are generally cheaper to replace than the old traditional versions. They're not impervious to damage however, neither are other electronic gadgets for consumers. They're also easy to misplace and can stop working over time as they are moved around in your purse or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that allows the driver to open and start the car. When tapped against a sensor inside the car, it reads that code and causes the doors to open and the engine to start. Some fobs also have additional features, for instance, a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob, check to make sure your keys aren't locked in the bag or purse that is secured. If they're not in your possession, look through your day and consider where you might have lost them. You can also look in your pockets, bags you may have had or on surfaces like counters and other surfaces. You may be able find your keys in the place you put them, or where you placed them when you went to purchase something.
You can purchase replacement key fobs on the internet, but they have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require visiting a dealership for them to be reprogrammed according to your specific key. There's good news! Roadside assistance companies like AAA can help you with this.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program a fob purchased elsewhere for less than they would if they did exactly the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shell of some fobs with keys with the electronics in working condition. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to determine if this is covered.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced over the years and this has led to more sophisticated keys for cars. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a specialized machine. This means it could be a bit more costly to replace lost car keys when they have a chip in the key.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, you'll need to contact the local dealership to get an alternative. They can do this because they keep a record of your security information and can connect the new chip with your car without much hassle. The process may take a few additional days as the dealer needs to order the key directly from the manufacturer.
The good news is that it's possible to get a duplicate made for your transponder chip key by an experienced locksmith. It's a bit more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealer, but you will save a lot of cash in the end. You will need your vehicle's VIN number to order an exact duplicate. This number can be found on your insurance policy or the sticker inside the jamb of the driver's door.
You'll also require a copy of your key to bring to the locksmith. The locksmith will then match the key cuts. If you can't find your old key, you can check the trunk and other places where it could be hidden. Take a look in your bags and pockets. You never know where you hid your keys, or when they were taken out of your bag when you were looking for something other.
You should immediately begin looking for your car keys if they aren't there. find them. First, make sure that you didn't leave them at home or at the office. Then, carefully go through your day to see the possibility of having lost them. After you've inspected your bags and emptied your pockets, it's time to use advanced search techniques.