How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a big hassle. Calling your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best way to start. To make a replacement key, they'll require proof of ownership and the original key.
But, this isn't always the most economical way to go.
Traditional Keys
Traditional metal car keys were once the most common type of vehicle key. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key is then put into the ignition and turned to start the car. If you lose a traditional key, it will cost less than other keys to obtain a replacement.
Visit Web Page can get a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you wait. They'll need the make and model of your car, as well as the year of its manufacture. The locksmith may also need to see proof of ownership to prove that you are legally able to purchase a brand new key.
If you have a recent car, it's likely that you have a transponder keys. They are a little more costly to replace than traditional keys, but they're also more secure from theft. The head of the plastic transponder key has an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system inside your vehicle to ensure that it can only be started with the right key.
The chips that are used in modern transponder keys are generally programmed with a particular code when the car is first sold. Some use rolling codes that send an entirely different code each time it is used, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate them. If you have a modern car with a transponder key it is recommended to keep it in a secure location.
Transponder keys last longer than traditional metal keys, but they are more costly to replace in the case of a loss. You'll need to contact your dealer to request an alternative transponder key in the event that you lose one. You'll need to provide your VIN 17-digit code that tells the dealer which vehicle it is compatible with.
You'll also need to provide the serial number of your car. This number can be found on a sticker in the driver's door or a card in the owner's manual. It's important to have these numbers handy as they can help you locate your car if it is lost or stolen.
Transponder Keys
Your key may contain a transponder if your car was built within the past 20 years. These tiny bits of technology are programmed to your particular vehicle so that only the owner is able to start it. Your transmission will be locked on your vehicle if it senses the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner can start the car.
These keys are an excellent feature for your car as they can deter theft from cars. Historically, car thieves could simply connect two wires and use them to start your car using the process called hot wiring. However, when cars began using transponder chips it became much more difficult to steal them because the criminal must have the right key to send the signal needed to start your vehicle.
If you have a traditional key and you lose it, a locksmith local to you will cut you a new one on the spot and delete your old one from your car's system. If you own a transponder or a fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to get it replaced. The dealer will need your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to get the correct key for your vehicle.
This is because they need to ensure that the key they're requesting for you is compatible with your particular vehicle to be able to start it and unlock your doors. To receive the replacement key, you'll have to show proof of ownership like your registration or title. This could make this kind of replacement slightly more expensive, but in the end, it is worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could be stolen. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your lost car key, make sure to whether it is covered by your warranty or insurance. If not, you will probably have to take your car to the dealership to have it towed, and then order it from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest type of car key is designed to work like a remote, allowing drivers to open doors and start engines without having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These keys are also referred to as keyless entry keys or remote control keys and are generally cheaper to replace than older, more traditional versions. They are not indestructible, but neither are any other electronic devices used by consumers. They're also easy to lose and they can cease to function in time when they are jostled around in your purse or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that allows drivers to unlock and start their car. When tapped against a sensor inside the car, it reads that code and causes the doors to open and the engine to start. Certain fobs have additional features, such as a button 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 in bags or purses that is locked. If they're not there and you don't have them, then look through your daily routine to determine where you might have lost the keys. You can also look in your pockets, bags you might have, or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You might be able to find your keys in the place they were left or even briefly placed them when you went to purchase something.
You can purchase replacement keys on the internet, however they need to be programmed to match your vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require a trip to the dealership to have them reprogrammed to match your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance firms such as 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 bought elsewhere for less than they would charge to perform the same job at the dealer. It is also possible to replace the outer shell of certain fobs with keys, leaving the electronics inside in good working order. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to determine if this is covered.
Chipped Keys
In the past few years, automobiles have become more and more technologically advanced. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by a locksmith. They require a specialized machine. This means it could be more expensive to replace lost car keys if they have a chip in them.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to contact the local dealership to request an alternative. This is because they keep an archive of your security information and can connect the new chip with your vehicle without hassle. The process could take a few days however, since the dealer must obtain the key from the manufacturer, and it may take a bit of time for it to arrive.
A professional locksmith can make an exact duplicate of the transponder key. It's a bit more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealership however you'll save money in the end. To obtain a duplicate key, you'll require the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is available on your insurance policy or on the sticker in the door jamb for the driver.
You will also need a copy of your key to take to the locksmith. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you're unable to locate your old key, you can check the trunk or other places where it might be hidden. You can also look in your pockets and bags. You don't know where you put your keys or when they were taken out of your bag when you were reaching for something other.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, you must immediately begin looking for them. First, ensure that you don't have keys at home or at the office. Next, carefully review your day to determine if they might be lost. After you've cleaned all of your pockets and checked all of your bags, it's time to begin using more sophisticated search methods.