How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a big hassle. The best option is calling your local locksmith or dealer. To make a replacement key, they will need proof of ownership and the old key.
However, this is not always the cheapest option.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of metal were the first type of key for vehicles. They have grooves on both sides that can be inserted into a set of slots inside the ignition. The key would then be inserted into the cylinder for ignition and turned to start the car. If you lose a traditional key, it will cost less than other keys to obtain a replacement.
You can have a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you are waiting. They'll need the model and make of your vehicle, as well as the year it was manufactured. The locksmith may also need to have proof of ownership to verify that you are authorized to purchase a new key.
car lost key replacement are more common in vehicles that are newer. They are a little more expensive to replace than conventional keys, however they are more secure against theft. The head of a transponder key contains an electronic chip that communicates with the car's computer system, ensuring that only the correct key can start it.
The chips that are used in modern transponder keys are typically programmed with a particular code when the car is first sold. Some have rolling codes, that send an updated code every time the key is used. This makes it more difficult for thieves to copy them. If you own a modern vehicle that has a transponder keys it is recommended to keep it in a safe place.
Transponder keys last longer than conventional metal keys, however they are more expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss. You'll need to call your dealer for a replacement transponder key if you lose one. You'll need to supply your VIN which is a 17-digit number that tells the dealer which vehicle it's compatible with.
You will also need to provide the serial number of your car. 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 gets lost or stolen.
Transponder Keys
If you own a car built in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your key has transponder chips. These tiny bits of technology are programmed to the specific car, so that only its owner can start it. To ensure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will be locked when it discovers that the code on your key is not compatible with its code.
These keys are ideal for your car because they deter car theft. Hot wiring is a technique that thieves have used to start cars. However, once cars began using transponder chips it became much more difficult to steal them since the criminal must have the correct key to transmit the signal required to start your car.
If you have traditional keys and lose it, a local locksmith can cut you a new one right away and erase the old one from the system. On the other side, if you own a transponder or a fob key, you will be required to visit the dealership to have it replaced. The dealer will need your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to purchase the correct key for your vehicle.
They will need to ensure that the key they buy for you is compatible with your vehicle to be capable of starting it up and open its doors. To obtain the replacement key, you'll have to prove ownership like your registration or title. This can make this type of replacement a little more expensive, but in the long run it's worth it when you consider that your car's key could have been stolen. If you are concerned about the cost of replacing your car key, make sure to whether it is covered under your warranty or insurance. If not it is likely that you will have to take your car to the dealer to be towed and then purchase it from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest kind of car key is designed to function as remotes, 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. 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 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 car. When the fob is placed on the car's sensor the code is read and the doors will open and the engine is started. Some fobs come with additional features, such as a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you have lost your key fob, ensure that your keys aren't in the bag or purse that is secured. If they're not there, go through your day and consider where you might have lost the keys. You can also search in your pockets, any bags you might have, or on surfaces like counters and other surfaces. You may be able find your keys where you left them or briefly placed them when you went to get something.
You can buy key fobs replacements on the internet, however they need to be programmed to match your vehicle. Some, such as those used by Audi and Subaru, require a trip to the dealership for them to be reprogrammed according to match your particular key. The good news is that roadside assistance companies such as 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 a fob that was purchased elsewhere at a lower cost than they charge to perform the same job 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 auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether this is covered.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced in recent years and this has led to more sophisticated keys for cars. These newer keys cannot be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a specific machine. This means it could be a bit more costly to replace lost car keys when they are equipped with a chip inside the key.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to call the local dealership to get an alternative. They can do this since they keep a record of your security details and can connect the new chip to your vehicle without hassle. The process can take a few more days as the dealer needs to purchase the key directly from the manufacturer.
The good news is that it's possible to have a duplicate of the transponder chip of your car by an experienced locksmith. The process is a bit more complex than taking your car to the dealer however it will save you a significant amount of money in the long run. In order to get an additional key, you will need the VIN number of your vehicle. This number can be found on your insurance policy, or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
You'll also require an original duplicate of your old key that you can bring to the locksmith. This way the locksmith will be able to 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 never know where you hid your keys, or the possibility that they fell out of your bag as you were searching for something else.
You should immediately begin searching for your car keys if they aren't there. find them. First, make sure that you don't have keys at home or in the office. Next, carefully review your day to determine if they might be missing. Once you've cleared all of your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it's time to begin using more advanced search methods.