How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a real trouble to lose your car keys. The best option is calling your local locksmith or dealer. They'll need evidence of ownership as well as the key from before in order to create a new key.
This isn't always the most cost-effective way to travel.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of steel were once the most popular kind of car key. lost keys car have grooves on both sides which fit into a set of slots on the ignition. The key is placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start the car. It is less expensive to replace a traditional ignition key than other types.
You can have a classic key made by an automotive locksmith while you wait. They'll need your vehicle's make and model and the year of its manufacture. The locksmith might also require to see proof of ownership to verify that you are legally able to purchase a brand new key.
Transponder keys are increasingly used in newer vehicles. They're more expensive to replace, but they are more secure against theft. The plastic head of the transponder keys has an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system of your vehicle to ensure that it is only started by the correct key.
The chips in modern transponder keys are typically programmed with a specific code when the car is sold for the first time. Some of them use rolling codes that send an entirely different code each time it's used, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate them. If you own a contemporary vehicle that has a transponder keys that you keep, make sure to keep it in a safe location.
Transponder keys last longer than traditional metal ones, but are more expensive to replace in the event of a loss. If you lose a transponder key then you'll have to contact the dealer to request the replacement. You'll need to supply your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer which car it is compatible with.
You'll also need to provide the serial number of your vehicle. This number can be found on a sticker on the door to the driver's side or the owner's manual. These numbers are crucial because they can aid in locating your vehicle in the event it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
Your key may contain transponders if your vehicle was manufactured within the past 20 years. These small pieces of technology are programmed to your specific car, so that only its 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 can start the car.
These keys are great for your car as they stop car theft. Hot wiring is a technique that car thieves have used to start vehicles. However, once lost keys car 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 vehicle.
If you've got an old-fashioned car key and you lose it, you can get a new one cut right on the spot by a locksmith local to you. The old key will be removed from the system of your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have 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 order the right key for your vehicle.
This is because they need to ensure that the key that they are ordering for you is paired with your specific vehicle to be able to start it and open your doors. You will also need to show evidence of ownership such as your registration or title to obtain a replacement key from the dealership. This type of replacement can be more expensive, but it's well worth it if you consider the possibility that your vehicle key was stolen. If you're concerned about the cost, check whether your warranty or insurance will cover it. If not, you'll need to bring your car to a dealer to have it towed, and order the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest kind of car keys are designed to act as remotes, allowing drivers to open the doors and start the engine without having to insert an ordinary key into the ignition. These keys are also referred to as keyless entry keys or remote control keys. They are generally cheaper to replace than older, more traditional models. But, like all pieces of consumer technology, they are not indestructible. They are also easily lost and cease to function as they move around in your bag or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that allows drivers to open and start their car. When tapped against a sensor inside the vehicle, it detects that code and enables the doors to open and the engine to begin. Some fobs come with additional features such as an option to summon the car (similar in function to the Tesla summon feature).
If you have lost a key fob, the first thing to do is ensure that your keys are not in the locked compartment of your purse or bag. If they're not there, go through your day and find where you might have lost them. Look in your pockets, in any bags you carried in your bag, and on countertops or other surfaces. You might be able to find your keys in the place they were left or even briefly placed them when you went to buy something.
You can buy replacement keys on the internet, but they must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain keys, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru will require an appointment with a dealer to have them reprogrammed to match your particular key. The good news is that roadside assistance companies such as AAA can assist you with this.
If lost keys of car do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some stores will cut and program a fob purchased elsewhere at a lower cost than they charge to do the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace the outer shell of certain fobs that are key, leaving the electronics inside in working condition. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to find out if you have any coverage that covers this.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Over the years, cars have become increasingly technologically advanced. This has led to more sophisticated keys. Unlike traditional keys, which could be duplicated by a locksmith, the latest keys for cars require a specific machine to duplicate. It can be more expensive to replace a lost car key with a chip.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, you'll need to call the local dealership to request an alternative. They can do this since they have a record of your security details and can match the new chip to your car without much hassle. The process could take a few extra days because the dealer has to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer.
The good news is that it's possible to have an exact duplicate of your transponder chip by a professional locksmith. It's more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealer however, you'll save a lot of cash in the end. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to order a duplicate. This number can be found on your insurance policy, or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.
You will also need a duplicate of your old key to take to the locksmith. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you can't locate the key you used to have, try searching in the trunk or other places. Take a look in your bags and pockets. You never know if you set your keys in a place or if they fell out of your bag when reaching for something else.
You must immediately begin searching for your car keys if you cannot locate them. First, make sure that you haven't left them at home or at the office. Then, take a close look at your day to determine if they may be lost. Once you've cleared all of your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it's time to begin using more advanced search techniques.