How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys. Contacting your local dealer locksmith is usually the best way to begin. They will need to see evidence of ownership as well as the key that was used to create a new one.
This isn't always the most cost-effective method to travel.
Traditional Keys
Metal keys for cars used to be the most common. They have grooves on either side that fit into a matching set of slots on the ignition. The key is inserted into the cylinder of ignition and turned to start the car. If you lose a traditional key, it is less expensive than other keys to replace them.
You can contact an automotive locksmith to have a new traditional key made while you wait. The locksmith will need the make, model and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also require to present proof of ownership to prove that you're legally able to purchase a brand new key.
Transponder keys are increasingly used in vehicles that are newer. They're a bit more costly to replace than traditional keys, however they are more safe from theft. The head of the plastic transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system in your car to make sure that it can only be activated with the right key.
replacing lost car keys that are used in modern transponder keys are typically programmed with a particular code when the car is sold for the first time. Some of them use rolling codes that send an updated code each time the key is used. This makes it difficult for thieves to copy the key. If you own a contemporary vehicle with a transponder key that you keep, make sure to keep it in a safe place.
Transponder keys have a greater life than traditional metal keys, but they're more expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. 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 (a 17-digit number) which tells the dealer what car it is compatible with.
You'll also have to provide your car's serial number. This number can be found on a label that's located on the driver's door or on an owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can help you find your car in the event that it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
Your key could contain a transponder if your car was manufactured within the past 20 years. These tiny bits of technology are programmed to the specific vehicle so that only the owner is able to start it. Your transmission will lock your vehicle if it senses the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner has the right to start the vehicle.
These keys are an excellent feature for your car as they discourage car theft. Hot wiring is a technique that thieves have employed to get cars started. When cars started using transponder chips, it became more difficult to steal the car since the criminal needed the right key in order to send the signal to start the car.
If you've got a traditional car key and have lost it, you can have a new one cut on the spot by a locksmith local to you. The old key will be deleted from the vehicle's system. On the other hand, if you have a transponder or fob key, you'll 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'll need to ensure that the key they purchase for you is compatible with your car to be capable of starting it and unlock its doors. You'll also need to provide proof of ownership, like your registration or title in order to get the replacement key from the dealer. This kind of replacement might be more expensive, but it's well worth it when you consider the possibility that your vehicle key was stolen. If you're concerned about the expense, you should check whether your warranty or insurance will cover it. If not, you will probably have to take your car to the dealership in order to be towed and then order it from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The newest type of car keys are designed to function as remotes, allowing drivers to open the doors and start the engine without needing to insert a traditional key into the ignition. They are also referred to as keyless entry keys or remote control keys. They are usually less expensive to replace than older, more traditional varieties. They're not completely safe however, nor are other consumer electronics. They are also susceptible to theft and stop working as they move around in your pocket or bag.
Fobs emit a code electronic that allows drivers to open and start their car. When the fob is tapped on an inside sensor it reads the code and the doors will open and the engine starts. Certain fobs include additional features like a button to summon the car (similar in function to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose a key fob, the initial thing to do is to ensure that your keys aren't in the locked compartment of your purse or bag. If they're not there, go through your day and consider where you might have lost them. You can also look in your pockets, in any bags you may have had, or on surfaces like counters and other surfaces. You may be able find your keys in the place you left them or briefly placed them when you went to purchase something.
You can buy key fobs replacements on the internet, however they need to be programmed to match your vehicle. Some key fobs, like those used by Audi or Subaru must be programmed by a dealership. Good news! Roadside assistance companies such as AAA can assist you with this.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program a fob bought elsewhere for less money than if they did the same thing at the dealer. Certain key fobs may be replaced with just the outer shell leaving the electronics in good working condition. Check your auto club membership or insurance policy to see if this is covered.
Keys that are chipped Keys
As time has passed, cars have become more and more technologically advanced. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. These newer keys cannot be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a specific machine. This means it could be a bit more costly to replace lost car keys if they are equipped with a chip inside the key.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, you will need to contact the local dealer to obtain an exchange. They can do this since they have a record of your security details and can pair the new chip to your vehicle without hassle. The process can take a few more days because the dealer has to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer.
A professional locksmith can make an exact duplicate of the transponder key. It's a bit more complicated than taking your car to a dealer however, you'll save a lot of cash in the end. You'll need your car's VIN number to order an exact duplicate. You can find this number on your insurance policy or the sticker on the jamb of the driver's door.
You'll also require an exact copy of your old key that you can bring to the locksmith. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you can't find your old key, check the trunk and other places where it could be hidden. Check your pockets and bags. You don't know if you put your keys somewhere, or if you accidentally knocked them out of your bag when reaching for something other.
It is imperative to immediately start searching for your car keys if you are unable to find them. First, make sure that you don't have keys at home or at the office. After that, take a look over your day to determine if they may be lost. Once you've emptied all of your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it is time to begin using more advanced search techniques.