How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys. The best way to begin is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. To make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership as well as the original key.
But, this isn't always the cheapest way to go.
Traditional Keys
Car keys made of metal were the most popular. They have grooves on both sides that fit into a matching set of slots inside the ignition. The key is put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start the car. It is cheaper to replace a traditional key than other kinds.
You can have a classic key made by an automotive locksmith while you are waiting. The locksmith will need the year, model, and make of your vehicle. The locksmith might also require proof of ownership in order to confirm your eligibility to purchase a key.
If you own a more recent vehicle, it's likely to have a transponder key. They're more expensive to replace but they are also more secure against theft. The head of a transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with your car's computer system, ensuring that only the correct key can start it.
The chips inside 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 transmit an entirely different code each time it is used, making it hard for thieves to duplicate the key. You should always store your transponder keys in a secure place if you own a modern vehicle with one.
Transponder keys last longer than conventional metal ones, but are more expensive to replace in the case of the loss. You'll need to contact your dealer to get 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 car it's compatible with.
You'll also have to provide the serial number of your car. This number is usually found on a sticker on the door to the driver's side or a card in your owner's manual. It's important to have these numbers on hand since they can help locate your car in the event that it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
If you own a vehicle made in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your key contains transponder chips. These tiny bits of technology are programmed specifically for your specific car, so only you are able to start it. Your transmission will lock your car when it determines that the key isn't matching the code. This is to ensure that only the owner can start the vehicle.
These keys are great for your car since they can deter theft of cars. lost my car key and have no spare is a method that car thieves have used to start vehicles. However, once cars started using transponder chips it became much more difficult to steal them since the person who steals them must possess the correct key to transmit the signal needed to start your vehicle.
If you have traditional car keys and you lose it, you can get a new one cut on the spot by a local locksmith. The old one will be deleted from the vehicle's system. On the other the other hand, if your car has a transponder or fob key, you will need to go to the dealership to get 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 they are ordering for you is paired with your vehicle in order to start it and open your doors. You'll also need to provide proof of ownership, like your registration or title, in order to receive the replacement key from the dealer. This kind of replacement might be a little more expensive but it's worth it if you think about the possibility that your vehicle key was stolen. If you are concerned about the cost of replacing your car key, check to whether it is covered under your car insurance or warranty. If not, you'll need to take your vehicle to the dealer to have it towed. You can also get the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The most recent type of car key is designed to work like an electronic remote, allowing motorists to open doors and start engines without having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as keys that do not require keyless entry or remote control keys and are typically cheaper to replace than older, more traditional models. However, like any piece of consumer technology, they are not indestructible. They're also easy to misplace and can stop working over time as they get jostled around in your purse or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to open and start the car. When the fob is tapped on the car's sensor the code is read and the doors open and the engine starts. Certain fobs include additional features like an option to summon the car (similar in function to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose your key fob, check to make sure your keys aren't locked in the bag or purse that is locked. If they're not in your possession, look through your day and see where you may have lost the keys. Look in your pockets, in bags you carried with you, and on counters or other surfaces. You may be able to locate your keys in a spot that you dropped them in or placed them on the floor briefly when you were attempting to buy something.
You can purchase replacement key fobs on the internet, however they must be programmed to your specific vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require an appointment with a dealer to get them reprogrammed to match your specific key. Good news! Roadside assistance firms like AAA can assist you with this.
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 for exactly the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace the outer shell of certain fobs with keys with the electronics in working condition. Check your car insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you have any coverage that will cover this.
Keys with chips Keys
Over the years, cars have become more and more technologically advanced. This has led to more sophisticated keys. Unlike traditional keys, which could be duplicated by the locksmith, modern keys require a specially-designed machine to duplicate. This means it could be a bit more costly to replace lost car keys when they're equipped with chips in the key.
You'll need to call your local dealership should you lose your vehicle or get it stolen. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and are able to pair a new chip with your vehicle without too much hassle. The process can take a few days, however, because the dealer must obtain the key from the manufacturer and it may take a bit of time to receive it.
A professional locksmith can create an exact duplicate of your transponder key. It's a bit more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealer, but you will save a lot of cash in the end. To get a duplicate key, you'll need the VIN number of your vehicle. This number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the jamb of the driver's door.
You'll also require a duplicate of your old key to bring to the locksmith. The locksmith will then match the key cuts. If you can't locate your old key, then try looking in the trunk or other places where it might be hidden. Check your pockets and bags. You never know if you set your keys down somewhere or if you knocked them out of your bag when you were reaching for something other.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you must immediately begin looking for them. To begin with, check to make sure that you haven't left keys at home or in the office. Then, carefully go through your day to determine if you could have misplaced them. Once you've cleared all of your pockets and checked all of your bags, it's time to move on to more advanced search techniques.