How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys can be a major trouble. Contacting your local dealer locksmith is typically the best option to begin. They'll need evidence of ownership as well as the key that was used to make a new one.
However, this is not always the most cost-effective way to go.
Traditional Keys
Metal car keys were once the most common. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key is inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn off the car. If you lose a traditional ignition key, it is less expensive than other types of keys to replace them.
You can call an automotive locksmith to have a brand new traditional key made while you wait. They'll need to know your vehicle's make and model and the year it was made. The locksmith might also require proof of ownership in order to verify your right to purchase a key.
If you have a recent vehicle, you probably have a transponder keys. They cost more to replace, but they are more secure against theft. lost keys to my car of a transponder key contains an electronic chip that communicates with your car's computer system, ensuring that only the correct key can start it.
When the car is sold the transponder keys' chips will be programmed using a code. Some use "rolling codes" that transmit an individual code each time they are used, making it hard for thieves to duplicate them. If you own a contemporary vehicle with a transponder key it is recommended to keep it in a secure location.
Transponder keys have a longer lifespan than traditional metal keys, but they're more expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. You'll need to call your dealer to get an alternative transponder key in the event that you lose one. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer which car it's compatible with.
You'll also need to provide the serial number of your car. This number can be found on a label that's located on the door of the driver or on an owner's manual. These numbers are important because they can aid in locating your car in the event that it is stolen or lost.
Transponder Keys
Your key could contain a transponder if your car was manufactured in the last 20 years. These tiny bits of technology are programmed to your specific car so that only the owner is able to start it. To ensure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will stop in the event that it finds that the code in your key is not compatible with its code.
These keys are ideal for your car since they deter car theft. In the past, thieves of cars could simply connect two wires together and use them to start your car using the process known as hot wiring. When cars started using transponder chip technology and transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal the car as the burglar required the correct key to send the signal to start the car.
If you've got traditional car keys and you lose it, you can have a new one cut right on the spot by a locksmith in your area. The old one will be removed from the vehicle's system. On the other side, if you own a transponder or a fob key, 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 be required to verify that the key they're ordering for you is paired with your particular vehicle in order to start it and unlock 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 but in the long run it's worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could be stolen. If you're concerned about the cost, check whether your insurance or warranty will cover it. If not then you'll have to take your car to the dealer to have it towed there and then order it from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The newest type of car keys are designed to work as remotes, allowing drivers to open the doors and start the engine without needing to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as keyless entry or remote control keys, are generally less expensive to replace than older traditional versions. They're not impervious to damage however, nor are other electronic devices used by consumers. They're also easy for people to lose and stop working over time as they get lost in your pocket or purse.
Fobs emit an electronic code that allows the driver to unlock and start the car. When the fob is placed on the car's sensor the code is read and the doors will open and the engine begins. Certain fobs include additional features, such as a button to summon the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you lose a key fob, the first thing to do is to make sure that your keys are not in an unlocked purse or bag. If they're not there and you don't have them, then look through your day to see where you might have lost the keys. You can also look in your pockets, in any bags you may have had or on surfaces like counters and other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys where you left them or briefly placed them when you went to purchase something.
You can purchase key fobs replacement on the internet, but they must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require visiting a dealership to have them reprogrammed to match your specific key. There's good news! Roadside assistance companies such as AAA can help you with this.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some stores will cut and program a fob bought elsewhere for less than they would charge to perform the same thing at the dealer. Some key fobs can be replaced using only the outer shell, leaving the electronics in good order. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to see if this is covered.
Keys that are chipped Keys
As time has passed, cars have become increasingly advanced in terms of technology. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. Contrary to traditional keys that could be duplicated at a locksmith, the latest keys for cars require a specific machine to duplicate. It is more expensive to replace the lost car key using chip.
If you lose your transponder chip key or it is stolen from you, then you will need to contact the local dealership to get a replacement. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and can match an updated chip with your vehicle without too much hassle. The process can take a few days, however, as the dealer must obtain the key from the manufacturer, and it will likely take some time to receive it.
A professional locksmith can create an exact duplicate of the transponder key. It is a little more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealership however you'll save a lot of cash in the end. To get a duplicate key, you'll require the VIN number of your vehicle. You can find this number on your insurance policy or on the sticker in the jamb of the driver's door.
You'll need to bring a copy of the old key with you. The locksmith can then match the key cuts. If you are unable to locate your old key, try searching in the trunk or in other places. You can also look in your bags and pockets. You don't know where you left your keys or the possibility that they fell out of your bag when you were reaching for something else.
If you can't find your car keys, then you must immediately begin looking for them. First, you must check to ensure that you haven't left keys at home or in the office. Then, take a careful look through your day to determine whether you've lost them. Once you've emptied all your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it is time to begin using more advanced search techniques.