How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge problem to lose your car keys. The best place to start is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. To make a replacement key, they'll need proof of ownership as well as the old key.
This isn't always the most cost-effective way to travel.
Traditional Keys
Metal keys for cars used to be the most common. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key is then inserted into the ignition and turned to get your car started. If you lose a traditional key, it can cost less than other types of keys to get a replacement.
You can call an auto locksmith to have a new traditional key made while you wait. They'll need to know your vehicle's make and model along with the year it was manufactured. The locksmith might also require to see proof of ownership to prove that you are legally able to purchase a brand new key.
Transponder keys are more common in newer vehicles. They're more expensive to replace but they are also more safe from theft. The plastic head of the transponder key is equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system of your car to ensure that it can only be initiated by the correct key.
When the car is sold the transponder keys' chips will be programmed using a code. Some of them employ "rolling codes" that transmit a different code every time they are used, making it very difficult for thieves to duplicate them. If you have a modern vehicle with a transponder key it is recommended to keep it in a secure location.
Transponder keys last longer than conventional metal keys, however they are more costly to replace in the case of the loss. You'll need to contact your dealer to get a replacement transponder key if you lose one. You'll need to supply your VIN which is a 17-digit number that tells the dealer which vehicle it is compatible with.
You'll also have to provide the serial number of your car. This number is usually found on a sticker on the driver's side door or the owner's manual. It's important to have these numbers on hand as they can help you find your car if it's lost or stolen.
Transponder Keys
Your car key may have a transponder if your car was built within the last 20 years. These small pieces of technology are programmed to your particular vehicle so that only the owner can start it. To ensure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will be locked if it detects that the code in your key does not match its code.
These keys are ideal for your car because they stop car theft. Hot wiring is a method that thieves have used to get cars started. However, when cars began with transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal them because the criminal must have the right key to send the signal needed to start your vehicle.
Luckily, if you have traditional keys and lose it, a locksmith local to you can cut you a brand new one right away and remove the old one from your vehicle's system. On the other side, if you own a transponder or fob key, you will be required to visit the dealer to have it replaced. The dealer will need your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to get the correct key for your vehicle.
They'll need to ensure that the key they purchase for you is compatible with your vehicle to be capable of starting it and unlock its doors. You will also need to show evidence of ownership such as your registration or title, in order to get the replacement key from the dealer. This kind of replacement may be a little more expensive, but it's well worth it if you think about the possibility that your car key was stolen. If you're concerned about the cost, make sure to check whether your warranty or insurance will cover it. If not, you'll have to take your car to the dealer to have it towed. You can also purchase the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The most recent type of car key is designed to work like remotes, allowing drivers to open doors and start engines without the need to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These fobs, also called remote control or keyless entry keys, are typically less expensive to replace than the old traditional versions. However, as with any other piece of consumer technology they're not impervious to damage. They are also susceptible to theft and stop working when they are moved around in your pocket or bag.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to open and start the car. When they are pressed 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 a purse or bag that is secured. Then, if they are not in the bag, go through your day and consider where you might have lost them. You can also search in your pockets, bags you may have had or on surfaces like counters and other surfaces. You may be able to locate your keys in the spot that you dropped them in or put them down briefly while you were attempting to pick something up.
You can purchase key fobs replacements on the internet, but they must be programmed to your specific vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require a trip to the dealership to get them reprogrammed to your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance organizations such as AAA are often able to assist with this, too.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program a fob bought elsewhere for less than for doing similar things at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shell of certain fobs with keys with the electronics in good working order. Check these details -insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you have any coverage that will cover this.
Chipped Keys
Cars have become more technologically advanced over time and this has led to more sophisticated car keys. These newer keys cannot be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a special machine. It is more expensive to replace a lost car key with chip.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, then you will need to contact the local dealership to get a replacement. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and can match a new chip with your vehicle with no hassle. The process could take a few days, however, since the dealer will have to obtain the key from the manufacturer, and it may take a bit of time for it to arrive.
The good news is that it is possible to have a duplicate made for your transponder chip by a professional locksmith. It's more complicated than taking your car to a dealer, but you will save money in the end. To obtain key car lost , you'll require the VIN number of your vehicle. This number can be found on your insurance policy or the sticker in the door jamb for the driver.
You'll also require an exact copy of your old key to take to the locksmith. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you cannot find the key you used to have look in the trunk or in other places. Check your pockets and bags. You never know if you set your keys somewhere, or if you knocked them out of your bag when you were reaching for something other.
You must immediately begin searching for your car keys if you are unable to locate them. First, make sure that you haven't left keys at home or in the office. Then, carefully go through your day to see if you could have misplaced them. After you've cleaned all of your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it's time to move on to more advanced search techniques.