How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a big trouble. The best place to start is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. To make a new key, they will need proof of ownership along with the old one.
This is not always the most cost-effective option to travel.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of metal were once the most popular kind of car key. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key would then be inserted into the cylinder for ignition and then turned to start the car. It is less expensive to replace a traditional key compared to other types.
You can call an automotive locksmith to get a new traditional key made while you are waiting. The locksmith will need the model, make and year of your vehicle. The locksmith might also require proof of ownership in order to confirm your right to purchase a key.
If you have a more recent vehicle, you probably have a transponder keys. They are a little more expensive to replace than traditional keys, but they're also more secure from theft. The head of the transponder key is equipped with an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system of your car to make sure that it is only initiated with the right key.
When a car is sold, the chips in transponder keys will be programmed with a code. Some use rolling codes, which send an updated code every time the key is used. This makes it difficult for thieves to copy the code. If you own a modern car with a transponder key that you keep, make sure to keep it in a secure location.
Transponder keys last longer lifespan than traditional keys, however they are more expensive to replace should you lose them. You'll need to contact your dealer to request an alternate transponder key should you lose one. You'll need to supply your VIN 17-digit code that tells the dealer which car it's compatible with.
You'll also have to provide the serial number of the car. This number can be found on a sticker placed on the driver's side door, or the owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can aid in locating your car in the event it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
Your key could contain an electronic transponder if the car was manufactured within the past 20 years. These tiny bits of technology are programmed specifically for your particular car, meaning that only you can start it. Your transmission will lock your car when it determines that the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the car.
These keys are an excellent feature for your car as they can deter theft from cars. In the past, thieves of cars were able to simply touch two wires together and use them to start your car using a process known as hot wiring. However, once cars started using transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal them because the criminal must have the correct key to transmit the signal needed to start your car.
If you own a traditional car key and you lose it, you can have a new one cut right on the spot by a local locksmith. The old one will be removed from the vehicle's system. On the other the other hand, if your car has a transponder or fob key, you will have to visit the dealership to have it replaced. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to get the correct key for your vehicle.
This is because they will have to make sure that the key that they are ordering for you is paired with your specific vehicle in order to begin it and open your doors. You'll also need to show proof of ownership, like your registration or title, in order to obtain a replacement key from the dealer. This kind of replacement might be a little more expensive, but it's worth it if you consider the possibility that your vehicle key was stolen. If you're concerned about the cost of replacing your car key, check to whether it is covered under your warranty or car insurance. If not, you'll have to take your car to the dealer to have it towed and purchase the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest kind of car keys are designed to function like remotes, letting drivers open the doors and start the engine without having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These fobs are also known as keys that do not require keyless entry or remote control keys. They are typically cheaper to replace than older, more traditional varieties. They're not completely safe however, nor are other electronic gadgets for consumers. They're also easy for people to lose and stop working over time as they are moved around in your purse or pocket.
Fobs emit a code electronic that allows drivers to open and start their car. When they are pressed against a sensor inside the car, it reads that code and enables the doors to open and the engine to start. Some fobs have additional features, like a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose a key fob, the first thing to do is to ensure that your keys are not in a locked bag or purse. If they're not you should go through your day to see the places you could have lost them. You can also search in your pockets, bags you may have had, or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys where they were left or even briefly put them in your bag when you went to get something.
You can buy key fobs replacement online, but they must be programmed to work with your particular vehicle. Some, such as those used by Audi and Subaru, require an appointment with a dealer for them to be reprogrammed according to match your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance companies like AAA are often able to assist in this regard, 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 if they did similar things at the dealer. Certain key fobs can be replaced by replacing only the outer shell, leaving the electronics in good condition. Examine your car insurance policy or auto club membership to find out whether you have coverage that will cover this.
Chipped Keys
Cars have become more technologically advanced in recent years which has resulted in more sophisticated keys for cars. Unlike traditional keys, which could be duplicated by a locksmith, the latest keys require a specially-designed machine to duplicate. It can be more expensive to replace a lost car key with a chip.
If you lose your transponder chip key or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to contact the local dealership to request an alternative. This is because they keep a record of security information on their system and can match the new chip to your vehicle without much hassle. The process could take a few extra days because the dealer has to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer.
A professional locksmith can make a duplicate of your transponder key. It's more complicated than taking your car to a dealer, but you will save a lot of cash in the end. To get a duplicate key, you'll need the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is located on your insurance policy, or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.
i lost the key to my car 'll need to bring an original copy of the key with you. This way the locksmith can match the key cuts. If you can't locate your old key, check the trunk and other places where it could be hidden. Take a look in your bags and pockets. You don't know where you put your keys, or the possibility that they fell out of your bag as you were searching for something else.
It is imperative to immediately start searching for your car keys if you are unable to find them. To begin with, check to make sure that you did not leave keys at home or in the office. Then, take a close look at your day to determine if they may have been misplaced. After you've inspected your bags and empty your pockets then it's time to apply advanced search techniques.