How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a major trouble to lose your car keys. Calling your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best option to begin. They will require proof of ownership as well as the key from before in order to make a new one.
This is not always the most cost-effective method to travel.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of steel were the first kind of car key. They have grooves on either side which fit into a set of slots in the ignition. The key is then put into the ignition and turned to get your car started. It is cheaper to replace a traditional key than other types.
You can contact an automotive locksmith to have a new traditional key made while you are waiting. They will need to know the model and make of your vehicle and the year it was manufactured. The locksmith may also require proof of ownership to verify your right to purchase keys.
If you have a more recent vehicle, you probably have a transponder key. These are a bit more costly to replace than traditional keys, but they're also more secure against theft. The plastic head of the transponder keys has an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system of your car to ensure that it is only activated by the correct key.
When the car is sold, the transponder keys' chips will be programmed using a code. Some use 'rolling codes' which send an entirely different code each time they are used, making it very difficult for thieves to duplicate the key. It is recommended to keep your transponder keys in a secure place if you have an automobile equipped with one.
Transponder keys last longer than standard metal ones, but are more expensive to replace in the case of the loss. If you lose a transponder keys you'll need to call the dealer to request an alternative one. You'll need to provide your VIN which is a 17-digit number that informs the dealer of the vehicle it is compatible with.
You will also need to provide your car's serial number. This number is located on a label that's located on the door of the driver 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
If you own a car made in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your car's key has a transponder chip. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed for your specific car, so only you are able to start it. Your transmission will be locked on your car when it determines that the key does not match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner can start the vehicle.
These keys are excellent for your car because they can deter theft of cars. Hot wiring is a method that thieves have used to start cars. However, once cars began with transponder chips, it became more difficult to steal them because the person who steals them must have the right key to send the signal needed to start your vehicle.
If you own a traditional car key and lose it, you can have 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. If you have an transponder key or fob, you'll have to go to the dealer to purchase a new one. The dealer will need your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to purchase the correct key for your vehicle.
They'll need to make sure that the key they buy for you is compatible with your car to be capable of starting it up and open its doors. To obtain the replacement key, you'll need to show proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This type of replacement can be more expensive, but it's well worth it if you consider the possibility that your car key was stolen. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your lost car key, make sure to determine if it's covered by your warranty or insurance. If it isn't, you will probably need to bring your vehicle to the dealership to have it towed there and ordered 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 having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as remote control or keyless entry keys, are generally cheaper to replace than the old, traditional variety. They are not indestructible, but neither are any other electronic devices used by consumers. They are also susceptible to theft and stop working when they are moved around in your bag or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that allows the driver to unlock and start the vehicle. When the fob is tapped against an inside sensor, the code is read and the doors will open and the engine is started. Some fobs also have additional features, for instance, a button that calls the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob, ensure that your keys aren't in bags or purses that is secured. If they're not in your possession, look through your day and see where you may have lost them. Examine your pockets, in the bags you carried with you, and also on countertops or other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys in a place that you dropped them in or placed them on the floor briefly when you were attempting to pick something up.
You can purchase replacement key fobs on the internet, however they must be programmed for your vehicle. Certain key fobs, for instance those used by Audi or Subaru, need to be reprogrammed at the dealership. 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 program and cut a fob bought elsewhere for less than they would for doing the same thing at the dealer. Some key fobs can be replaced with just the outer shell leaving the electronics in good working in good working order. Check your car insurance policy or auto club membership to see whether you have coverage that covers this.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Cars have become more technologically advanced in recent years and this has led to more sophisticated car keys. In contrast to traditional keys, which could be copied at the locksmith, modern 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 or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to contact the local dealership to get an exchange. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and can pair an updated chip with your vehicle without too much hassle. The process may take a few extra days because the dealer has to order the key directly from the manufacturer.
The good thing is that it's possible to have an exact duplicate of your transponder chip by a professional locksmith. The process is a bit more complex than taking your car to the dealership, but it will save you lots of cash in the long run. To obtain a duplicate key, you'll require the VIN number of your vehicle. This number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.
You'll need to bring an original copy of the key along with you. This way, the locksmith can match the key cuts. If you're unable to find your old key, you can look in the trunk or other places where it might be hidden. Examine your bags and pockets. You don't know where you hid your keys, or the possibility that they fell out of your bag when you were reaching for something other.
If you can't find your car keys, you must immediately begin searching for them. Start by checking to ensure that you did not leave keys at home or in the office. Then, carefully go 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 move on to more advanced search methods.