How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a huge trouble. Calling your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best option to start. To make a replacement key, they'll need proof of ownership along with the original key.
This is not always the most cost-effective option to travel.
Traditional Keys
Metal keys for cars were the most common. They have grooves on either side that fit into a matching set of slots in the ignition. The key is then placed into the ignition and turned to start your car. It is cheaper to replace a traditional key compared to other kinds.
You can call an automotive locksmith to get a new traditional key made while you wait. The locksmith will require the model, make and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership in order to confirm your rights to purchase keys.
Transponder keys are more prevalent in vehicles that are newer. They're more expensive to replace, but they are more secure from theft. The head of the plastic transponder key has an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system of your car to make sure that it can only be initiated by the correct key.
When a car is sold, the chips inside transponder keys will be programmed with a specific code. Some of them employ 'rolling codes' which send a different code every time it is used, making it very difficult for thieves to duplicate the key. If you own a modern car with a transponder key, you should always keep it in a safe place.
Transponder keys last longer than traditional metal ones, but are more costly to replace in the event of a loss. You'll need to contact your dealer for an alternate transponder key should you lose one. lost keys for car 'll need to provide your VIN, 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 located on a label that's located on the door of the driver or on the owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can assist you in finding your vehicle in the event it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
If you own a car manufactured in the last 20 years or so it is likely that your car's key has a transponder chip. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed for the specific vehicle, ensuring only you are able to 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 in your key is not compatible with its code.
They are a fantastic feature for your car because they deter theft of cars. Hot wiring is a technique that thieves have employed to get cars started. When cars began to use transponder chips and transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal the car because the thief required a key that was the right one in order to send the signal to start the vehicle.
If you have traditional car keys and you lose it, you can have a new one cut right on the spot by a local locksmith. The old key will be removed from the vehicle's system. If you have an transponder key or fob, you'll need to go to the dealer to purchase a new one. This is because the dealer will need to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to be able to purchase the correct key for your specific vehicle.
They will need to make sure that the key they purchase for you is compatible with your car to be able to start it and unlock its doors. To get the replacement key, you'll have to prove ownership, such as your registration or title. This can make this type of replacement a little more expensive however in the end, it's worth it if you consider that your vehicle's key could have been stolen. If you're concerned about the cost of replacing your lost car key, you should determine if it's covered by your warranty or insurance. If not, you'll need to take your vehicle to the dealer to have it towed and get the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The most modern kind of car key is designed to function like a remote, allowing drivers to open doors and start engines without needing to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as keyless entry keys or remote control keys and are usually cheaper to replace than older, more traditional varieties. However, like any piece of technology used in the modern world they're not a guarantee of durability. They're also easy to misplace 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 the driver to unlock and start the vehicle. When the fob is placed on an inside sensor, the code is read and the doors are opened and the engine is started. Some fobs also have additional features, for instance, a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose a key fob, the first thing to do is make sure that your keys aren't in an unlocked purse or bag. Then, if they are not in the bag, go through your day and see where you may have lost them. You can also search in your pockets, in any bags you may have, or on surfaces like counters and other surfaces. You might be able to find your keys where you left them or briefly put them where you were going to get something.
You can buy replacement keys online, but they must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain key fobs, such as those used by Audi or Subaru, need to be reprogrammed at the dealership. The good news is that roadside assistance organizations like AAA will often assist with this, 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 what they charge to do similar work at the dealer. Certain key fobs may be replaced by replacing only the outer shell and leave the electronics in good in good working order. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you have any insurance that covers this.
Chipped Keys
Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced over the years which has resulted in more sophisticated car keys. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by a locksmith. They require a specific machine. It is more expensive to replace keys that are lost in the car with chip.
You'll need to call your local dealer in the event that you lose or have it stolen. This is because they keep a record of the security information in their system and are able to pair the new chip to your vehicle without 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 get it.
The good thing is that it's possible to have an exact duplicate of your transponder chip by an expert locksmith. It's a bit more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealer however, you'll save a lot of cash in the end. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to order an additional copy. This number can be found on your insurance policy, or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
You will also need an exact duplicate of your old key to take to the locksmith. This way, the locksmith will be able to match the key cuts. If you can't locate your old key, check the trunk and other places where it could be hidden. Take a look in your bags and pockets. You don't know where you put your keys, or when they were taken out of your bag as you were searching for something else.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, then you must immediately begin searching for them. First, make sure that you didn't leave them at home or at the office. After that, take a look over your day to determine if they may have been misplaced. Once you've cleared all your pockets and checked all of your bags, it is time to move on to more advanced search methods.
