How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a real hassle to lose your car keys. The best place to start is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. They'll need proof of ownership as well as the key that was used to create a new key.
However, this is not always the most economical option.
Traditional Keys
Car keys made of metal used to be the most popular. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key is then put into the ignition and turned to start your car. If you lose a traditional key, it can cost less than other keys to replace them.
You can call 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 might also require proof of ownership to confirm your right to purchase keys.
If you have a recent car, it's likely that you have a transponder keys. They are more expensive to replace however, they are more safe from theft. The head of a transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with your car's computer system to make sure that only the correct key can be used to start the car.
When the car is sold, the chips in transponder keys will be programmed with a code. Some of them use rolling codes which send an additional code each time the key is used. This makes it harder for thieves to duplicate them. 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 than standard metal keys, but they are more costly to replace in the case of an eventual loss. If you lose a transponder key then you'll have to contact the dealer to get a new one. You'll need to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer which car it's compatible with.
You'll also need to provide the serial number of the car. This number can be found on a sticker in the driver's door or an owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can assist you in finding your car in the event that it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
If you own a vehicle made in the last 20 years or so it is likely that your key has a transponder chip. These small pieces of technology are programmed to the specific vehicle so that only the owner of the vehicle can start it. The transmission will lock your vehicle if it senses the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the car.
These keys are excellent for your car since they stop car theft. Historically, car thieves could simply connect two wires and use them to start your car in the process known as hot wiring. When cars began to use transponder chips, it became more difficult to steal a car as the burglar needed the right key to send the signal to start the vehicle.
Fortunately, if you own an old-fashioned key and lose it, a local locksmith can cut you a new one on the spot and delete your old one from your car's system. If you have a transponder key or a fob, you'll have to go to the dealer to purchase a new one. This is because the dealer needs to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to be able to purchase the correct key for your specific vehicle.
They'll need to ensure that the key they purchase for you is compatible with your car to be capable of starting it up and unlock its doors. To receive an alternative key, you will need to provide proof of ownership, such as your registration or title. This type of replacement can be a little more expensive, but it's 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 it is likely that you will require bringing your vehicle to the dealership to have it towed there and then purchase it from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The most recent type of car keys are designed to function as remotes, allowing motorists to open the doors and start the engine without needing to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as keyless entry keys or remote control keys and are typically less expensive to replace than older, more traditional versions. However, as with any other piece of technology used in the modern world they're not impervious to damage. They're also easy to misplace and can stop working over time as they get moved around in your purse or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to open and start the vehicle. When the fob is tapped on the car's sensor, the code is read and the doors are opened and the engine starts. Some fobs come with additional features like a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob check to make sure your keys aren't in bags or purses that is secured. If they're not in the bag, go through your day and find the places you might have lost the keys. Check your pockets, in the bags you carried with you, and also on counters or other surfaces. You may be able to find your keys in a place where you dropped them or put them down briefly while you went to buy something.
You can purchase key fobs replacement on the internet, but they have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain key fobs, for instance those used by Audi or Subaru, need to be programmed at the dealership. The good news is that roadside assistance companies like AAA can often help in this regard, too.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program a fob purchased elsewhere for less than they would charge for exactly the same thing at the dealer. Certain key fobs can be replaced with just the outer shell, leaving the electronics in good working in good working order. Examine your car insurance policy or auto club membership to find out whether you have insurance that covers this.
Keys with chips Keys
In the past few years, automobiles have become increasingly technologically advanced. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. In contrast to traditional keys, which could be duplicated by a locksmith, these newer car keys require a special machine to duplicate. It is more expensive to replace the lost car key using a chip.
If you lose your transponder chip key or it is stolen from you, you'll need to call the local dealership to get an alternative. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and can match a new chip with your vehicle without too much hassle. The process could take a couple of days, however, because the dealer must order the key from the manufacturer, and it will likely take some time for it to arrive.
The good news is that it is possible to get a duplicate made for your transponder chip key by an experienced locksmith. It's more complex than taking your car to a dealership, but you will save a lot of cash in the end. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to get a duplicate. You can find this number on your insurance policy or the sticker in the driver's door jamb.
You'll need an original copy of the key with you. The locksmith will then match the key cuts. If you can't locate your old key Try searching the trunk or in other places. Take a look in your bags and pockets. You don't know where you hid your keys, or when they were taken out of your bag when you were searching for something else.
If you can't find your car keys, then you should immediately start looking for them. To begin with, check to ensure that you did not leave them at home or at the office. Then, take a close look at your day to determine if they might be lost. After you've checked your bags and emptied your pockets It's time to employ more advanced search methods.