How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a real hassle 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 most cost-effective way to go.
Traditional Keys
Metal car keys were the most common. They have grooves on both sides 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. If you lose a traditional ignition key, it is less expensive than other keys to replace them.
Going On this page can have a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you are waiting. The locksmith will need the make, model and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership to verify your right to purchase keys.
If you have a more recent car, it's likely that you have a transponder key. They are a little more costly to replace than traditional keys, however they are more secure from theft. The plastic head of the transponder keys has an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system of your car to make sure that it can only be started by the right key.
When the car is sold, the chips in transponder keys will be programmed using a code. Some of them employ rolling codes that send an individual code each time it is used, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate them. If you have a modern vehicle with a transponder key, you should always keep it in a safe location.
Transponder keys last longer than standard metal ones, but are more expensive to replace in the case of a loss. If you lose a transponder keys, you'll need to contact the dealer to request a new one. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer what car it is compatible with.
You'll also have to provide your car's serial number. This number is located on a sticker in the driver's door or an owner's manual. It is important to keep these numbers handy because they will help you locate your car in the event that it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
Your key could contain a transponder if your car was built within the last 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to the specific car so that only the owner is able to start it. lost vehicle key replacement will lock your car when it determines that the key does not match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner has the right to start the vehicle.
These keys are great for your car because they stop car theft. Hot wiring is a method that thieves have employed to start cars. When cars began to use transponder chip technology making it more difficult to steal the car because the thief required the correct key to send a signal to start the vehicle.
Fortunately, if you own an old-fashioned key and lose it, a locksmith local to you will cut you a new one on the spot and erase the old one from the system. If you own 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) in order to purchase the appropriate key for your particular vehicle.
This is because they need to ensure that the key they're ordering for you is compatible with your particular vehicle to be able to start it and open your doors. To receive the replacement key, you will need to provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This may make this type of replacement slightly more expensive however in the end, it's worth it when you consider that your car's key could be stolen. If you are concerned about the cost of replacing your car key, make sure to whether it is covered by your warranty or insurance. If not then you'll need to bring your vehicle to the dealership in order to have it towed, and ordered from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest kind of car key has been designed to function 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 keyless entry keys or remote control keys. They are typically cheaper to replace than older, more traditional varieties. They're not impervious to damage however, neither are other consumer electronics. They're also easy to misplace and can stop working over time as they are lost in your purse or pocket.
Fobs emit a code electronic that allows drivers to unlock and start their car. When they are pressed against a sensor inside the car, it reads the code and enables the doors to open and the engine to start. Certain fobs include additional features, such as an option to summon the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose a key fob, the first thing to do is to ensure that your keys are not in the locked compartment of your purse or bag. If they're not there, then go through your daily routine to determine where you might have lost them. Check your pockets, in the bags you carried with you, and on countertops or other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys in the spot where you dropped them or put them down briefly when you were attempting to pick something up.
You can buy replacement keys on the internet, but they must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain key fobs, such as those used by Audi or Subaru require to be programmed by a dealership. The good news is that roadside assistance firms like 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 the fob they purchase elsewhere for less money than they would charge for doing exactly the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shells of some fobs that are key with the electronics in good working order. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to find out if you have any coverage that will cover this.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced over time which has resulted in more sophisticated car keys. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by a locksmith. They require a specialized machine. It can be more expensive to replace the lost car key using chip.
You'll need to call your local dealer in the event that you lose or get it stolen. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and can pair an updated chip with your vehicle without much hassle. The process could take a few days however, as the dealer will have to order the key from the manufacturer, and it will likely take some time to receive it.
The good news is that it's possible to get a duplicate of your transponder chip by a professional locksmith. The process is more complex than taking your car to the dealer, but it will save you a significant amount of money in the end. You'll need your car's VIN number to request an additional copy. You can find this number on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the jamb of the driver's door.
You'll also require an original duplicate of your old key that you can bring to the locksmith. This way, the locksmith can match the key cuts. If you're unable to find your old key, then try looking in the trunk or other places where it could be hidden. Check your pockets and bags. You don't know if your set your keys in a place or if they fell out of your bag while trying to find something else.
If you can't find your car keys, then you must immediately begin searching for them. First, ensure that you didn't leave keys at home or at the office. Then, take a careful look through your day to determine if you could have misplaced them. After you've inspected your bags and cleaned out your pockets, it's time to use more advanced search methods.