How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys. The best option is calling your local locksmith or dealer. They'll need proof of ownership and the old key in order to create a new key.
But, this isn't always the cheapest method to take.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of steel were once the most popular type of key for vehicles. They have grooves on both sides that fit into a matching set of slots in the ignition. The key is then placed into the cylinder of ignition and turned to start the car. If you have lost a traditional key it can cost less than other keys to get a replacement.
You can have a classic key made by an automotive locksmith while you wait. They'll need the model and make of your vehicle along with the year it was made. The locksmith may also need to have proof of ownership to prove that you are authorized to purchase a new key.
If you own a more recent vehicle, you probably have a transponder keys. They are more expensive to replace but they are also more secure against theft. The plastic head of a transponder key contains an electronic chip that communicates with the car's computer system to ensure that only the correct key can be used to start the car.
When a car is sold, the chips inside transponder keys will be programmed using a code. Some of them use rolling codes that send an entirely different code each time it's used, making it very difficult for thieves to duplicate them. If you have a modern vehicle with a transponder key that you keep, make sure to keep it in a secure place.
Transponder keys last longer lifespan than traditional metal keys, however they are more expensive to
replace lost key for car in the event that you lose them. If you lose a transponder lock then you'll have to contact the dealer to request an alternative one. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) which tells the dealer what vehicle it's compatible with.
You'll also have to provide the serial number of your vehicle. This number can be found on a sticker on the driver's side door, or a card in your owner's manual. It's important to have these numbers handy because they will help you locate your car if it is lost or stolen.
Transponder Keys
If you own a car manufactured in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your car's key has transponder chips. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your specific car,
lost keys Replacement so only you can use it. To ensure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will stop when it discovers that the code in your key does not match its code.
These keys are great for your car since they stop car theft. Traditionally, car thieves could simply connect two wires together and use them to start the car, in the process called hot wiring. Once cars began using transponder chip technology making it more difficult to steal the car as the burglar required the correct key to send the signal to start the car.
If you have an old-fashioned key and lose it, a locksmith in your area can cut you a new one right away and remove the old one from your vehicle's system. If you have an transponder key or fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to get it replaced. This is because the dealer must know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to be able to purchase the right key for your vehicle.
They must make sure that the key they purchase for you is compatible with your vehicle in order to be capable of starting it up and open its doors. You'll also need to provide evidence of ownership such as your registration or title to obtain a replacement key from the dealer. This kind of replacement may be a little more expensive, but it's worth it if you think about the possibility that your vehicle key was stolen. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your lost car key, check to determine if it's covered under your car insurance or warranty. If not it is likely that you will need to bring your vehicle to the dealer to have it towed there and ordered from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest type of car key is designed to function as a remote, allowing drivers to open doors and start engines without having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as keyless entry keys or remote control keys and are generally cheaper to replace than older, more traditional models. They're not impervious to damage, but neither are any other electronic gadgets for consumers. They're also easy for people to lose and they can cease to function over time as they are jostled around in your pocket or purse.
Fobs emit a digital code that allows drivers to open and start their car. When a sensor is tapped inside the car, it reads the code and causes the doors to open and the engine to start. Some fobs also have additional features, such as a button that calls the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob, the initial thing to do is make sure that your keys are not in the locked compartment of your purse or bag. If they're not there and you don't have them, then look through your day to find where you might have lost the keys. Examine your pockets, in the bags you carried with you, and on countertops or other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys in a spot where you dropped them, or placed them on the floor briefly when you were attempting to buy something.
You can purchase replacement key fobs online, but they must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru need visiting a dealership to get them reprogrammed to match your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance firms like AAA will often assist in this regard, too.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will program and cut the fob they purchase elsewhere for less money than if they did exactly the same thing at the dealer. Certain key fobs can be replaced by
replacing lost car key only the outer shell and leave the electronics in good condition. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to determine if this is covered.
Keys with chips Keys
Cars have become more technologically advanced over the years, which has lead to more sophisticated keys for cars. These newer keys cannot be duplicated by a locksmith. They require a specific machine. This means that it can be more expensive to replace
lost Keys replacement car keys when they have a chip in the keys.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, you will need to contact the local dealership to request a replacement. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and can match an updated chip with your vehicle without too much hassle. The process may take a couple of days, however, since the dealer must purchase the key from the manufacturer and it could take some time to receive it.
A professional locksmith can make an exact duplicate of your transponder key. It's a bit more complicated than taking your car to a dealer however, you'll save money in the end. To get a duplicate key you will need the VIN number of your vehicle. The VIN number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.
You'll also need an exact copy of your key to take to the locksmith. The locksmith can then match the key cuts. If you can't locate your old key, try searching in the trunk or in other places. You can also search your pockets and bags. You don't know where you hid your keys or if they fell out of your bag when you were searching for something else.
You must immediately begin searching for your car keys if you cannot find them. Start by checking to ensure that you didn't leave them at home or at the office. Then, carefully go through your day to see if you could have misplaced them.