How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys. Contacting your local dealer or locksmith is typically the best way to start. To create a replacement key, they'll need proof of ownership as well as the old key.
However, this is not always the most cost-effective option.
Traditional Keys
Traditional metal car keys were the first kind of car key. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key would then be put into the cylinder of ignition and turned to turn off the car. It is less expensive to replace a traditional key than other types.
You can have a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you wait. The locksmith will require the make, model and year of your vehicle. The locksmith might also require to present proof of ownership to prove that you are legally authorized to purchase a new key.
If you own a more recent vehicle, it's likely to have a transponder key. They're more expensive to replace however, they are more secure against theft. The plastic head of a transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with the car's computer system, ensuring that only the correct key is able to start it.
The chips in modern transponder keys are generally programmed with a particular code when the car is sold for the first time. Some use rolling codes, which transmit a new code each time the key is used. This makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate them. It is important to keep your transponder keys in a secure location if you own a modern vehicle with one.
Transponder keys last longer than standard metal ones, but are more expensive to replace in the case of the loss. You'll have to contact your dealer to get an alternative transponder key in the event that you lose one. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) which will tell the dealer which car it is compatible with.
You'll also have to provide the serial number of the car. This number is located on a sticker in the driver's door or a card in the owner's manual. It is essential to have these numbers in your car because they will help you find your car if it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
Your car key may have a transponder if your car was manufactured in the last 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to the specific car, so that only its owner of the vehicle can start it. To make sure that the correct key is used to start your car, the transmission will lock in the event that it finds that the code on your key does not match its code.
These keys are a great feature for your car as they discourage car theft. Hot wiring is a method that thieves have used to start vehicles. However, when cars began using transponder chips it became much more difficult to steal them because the thief needs to possess the correct key to send the signal required to start your car.
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 the other the other hand, if your car has an electronic transponder or fob key, you will need to go to the dealership to have it replaced. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to get the correct key for your vehicle.
They will need to ensure that the key they buy for you is compatible with your vehicle to be able to start it and open its doors. You'll also have to provide proof of ownership, like your registration or title to receive the replacement key from the dealer. This can make this type of replacement a little more expensive but in the long run it is worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could be 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 dealership in order to have it towed, and then purchase it from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The most recent type of car keys are designed to function as remotes, allowing drivers to open the doors and start the engine without needing to insert an ordinary key into the ignition. These keys are also referred to as keys that do not require keyless entry or remote control keys. They are typically cheaper to replace than older, more traditional models. They are not indestructible however, neither are other consumer electronics. They're also easy for people to lose and stop working over time as they are moved around in your pocket or purse.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to unlock and start the car. When the fob is tapped on a sensor in the car, the code is read and the doors will open and the engine begins. Certain fobs have additional features such as an option to summon the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob, ensure that your keys aren't in a purse or bag that is locked. If they're not there you should go through your day to find where you may have lost the keys. You can also look in your pockets, any bags you may have had or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You may be able to find your keys in a place that you dropped them in or put them down briefly while you were attempting to pick something up.
You can buy replacement keys on the internet, however they need to be programmed for your vehicle. Some key fobs, like those used by Audi or Subaru, need to be programmed at the dealership. The good news is that roadside assistance firms like 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 the fob they purchase elsewhere for less money than they would for similar things at the dealer. Certain key fobs may be replaced with just the outer shell leaving the electronics in good order. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to see whether this is covered.
Keys that are chipped Keys
In the past few years, automobiles have become more more advanced in terms of technology. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. These newer keys cannot be duplicated by a locksmith. They require a special machine. This means it could be more expensive to replace lost car keys when they have a chip in the key.
If you lose your transponder chip key or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to contact the local dealership to get an alternative. This is because they keep a record of security information on their system and are able to pair the new chip to your vehicle with no hassle. The process could take a couple of days, however, since the dealer must order the key from the manufacturer and it may take a bit of time for it to arrive.
A professional locksmith can make a duplicate of your transponder key. The process is more complex than taking your car to the dealer, but it will save you a lot of money in the end. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to request an additional copy. This number can be found on your insurance policy or the sticker on the jamb of the driver's door.
You will need to bring a copy of the old key along. This way, the locksmith can match the cuts made by the key. If you are unable to find your old key, you can try looking in the trunk and other places where it might be hidden. You can also search your bags and pockets. lost keys car know if you set your keys in a place or if you knocked them out of your bag while trying to find something other.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, then you should immediately start looking for them. First, make sure that you don't have keys at home or at the office. Then, take a careful look through your entire day to determine the possibility of having lost them. Once you've emptied all your pockets and checked all of your bags, it's time to begin using more advanced search techniques.