How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a big problem. Usually, the best place to start is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. They will need to see proof of ownership as well as the key from before in order to make a new one.
This isn't always the most cost-effective option to travel.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of steel were the first type of key for vehicles. They have grooves on either side that fit into a matching set of slots on the ignition. The key is then put into the ignition and turned to start your car. If you lose a traditional key, it will cost less than other types of keys to replace them.
You can have a classic key made by an automotive locksmith while you are waiting. The locksmith will require the model, make and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also require proof of ownership in order to confirm your eligibility to purchase a key.
If you have a more recent vehicle, you probably have a transponder key. They cost more to replace however, they are more secure against theft. The head of the plastic transponder key is equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system in your car to ensure that it can only be started with the right key.
The chips inside modern transponder keys are generally programmed with a particular code when the car is first sold. Some use rolling codes, that send an additional code every time the key is used. This makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate them. You should always store your transponder keys in a secured location if you own a modern vehicle with one.
Transponder keys have a greater lifespan than traditional keys, but they are more expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. If you lose a transponder lock then you'll have to contact the dealership to obtain a new one. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) which tells the dealer which car it's compatible with.
You'll also need to provide your car's serial number. This number can be found on a sticker on the driver's side door, or an entry in your owner's manual. It is important to keep these numbers handy because they will help you find your car if it is lost or stolen.
Transponder Keys
Your key may contain transponders if your vehicle was manufactured within the last 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your particular vehicle so that only the owner of the vehicle can start it. To make sure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will be locked in the event that it finds that the code in your key is not compatible with its code.
These keys are a great feature for your vehicle as they discourage car theft. Hot wiring is a technique that thieves have employed to get cars started. When cars began to use transponder chip technology and transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal a car as the burglar needed the right key to send a signal to start the vehicle.
Luckily, if you have a traditional key and you lose it, a locksmith local to you can cut you a brand new one on the spot and erase the old one from your car's system. If you have a transponder key or a fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to get it replaced. This is because the dealer needs to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in order to purchase the correct key for your specific vehicle.
This is because they will need to ensure that the key that they're ordering for you is compatible with your vehicle to be able to start it and unlock your doors. You'll also need to show proof of ownership, such as your registration or title in order to obtain a replacement key from the dealer. This could make this kind of replacement a bit more expensive but in the long run it's worth it when 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 whether it is covered under your car insurance or warranty. If not, you'll need to bring your car to a dealer to have it towed, and get the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The most recent type of car key is designed to function like remotes, allowing drivers to open doors and start engines without having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These fobs, also called keyless entry or remote control keys, are typically cheaper to replace than the older traditional versions. They're not impervious to damage however, neither are other consumer electronics. They're also easy to lose and can stop working over time as they get 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 tapped on the car's sensor, the code is read and the doors open and the engine starts. Some fobs come with additional features like a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If lost car keys lose your key fob, make sure that your keys aren't locked in a purse or bag that is locked. If they're not there, then go through your daily routine to determine where you might have lost them. Check your pockets, in bags that you had in your bag, and on countertops or other surfaces. You may be able find your keys where you left them or briefly placed them when you went to buy something.
You can buy replacement key fobs on the internet, but they must be programmed to work with your particular vehicle. Some, such as those used by Audi and Subaru will require an appointment with a dealer to get them reprogrammed to match your particular key. The good news is that roadside assistance organizations such as 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 purchased elsewhere for less money than they would for exactly the same thing at the dealer. Some key fobs can be replaced by replacing only the outer shell, leaving the electronics in good working order. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to see whether this is covered.
Chipped Keys
Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced over the years, which has lead to more sophisticated car keys. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a special machine. It can be more expensive to replace the lost car key using a chip.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, you'll need to contact the local dealership to get an exchange. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and are able to pair an updated chip with your vehicle without much hassle. The process may take a couple of days, however, because the dealer must obtain the key from the manufacturer, and it will likely take some time for it to arrive.
The good news is that it is possible to get an exact duplicate of your transponder chip by an experienced locksmith. The process is more complex than going to the dealer however it will save you a lot of cash in the long run. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to request an additional copy. This number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker in the jamb of the driver's door.
You'll also need a duplicate of your old key that you can bring to the locksmith. The locksmith will be able to match the cuts made by the key. If you cannot find your old key look in the trunk or other places. You can also look in your pockets and bags. You don't know where you left your keys or the possibility that they fell out of your bag when you were looking for something else.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you must immediately begin searching for them. First, ensure that you didn't leave keys at home or in the office. Then, carefully review your entire day to determine if you could have misplaced them. After you've checked your bags and cleaned out your pockets, it's time to use more sophisticated search techniques.
