How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Losing your car keys could be a huge trouble. Contacting your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best option to start. They will require evidence of ownership as well as the key that was used to create a new key.
However, this is not always the most economical method to take.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of steel were once the most popular kind of car key. They have grooves on both sides that can be inserted into a set of slots in the ignition. The key is then put into the ignition and turned to start your car. If you lose a traditional key, it is less expensive than other types of keys to obtain a replacement.
You can contact an automotive locksmith to get a new traditional key made while you wait. The locksmith will require the make, model and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership to confirm your eligibility to purchase keys.
If you have a more recent car, it's likely that you have a transponder key. They're a bit more expensive to replace than conventional keys, however they are more secure from theft. The plastic head of the transponder key is equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system in your car to ensure that it can only be activated by the correct key.
The chips that are used in modern transponder keys are usually programmed with a particular code when the car is sold for the first time. Some use 'rolling codes' which send an individual code each time they are used, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate the key. It is recommended to keep your transponder keys in a secured place if you have an advanced vehicle equipped with.
Transponder keys have a greater lifespan than traditional keys, but they are more expensive to replace if you lose them. You'll have to contact your dealer to request an alternate transponder key should you lose one. You'll need to supply your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer what car it's compatible with.
You'll also need 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 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 may contain a transponder if your car was manufactured within the past 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your particular car, meaning only you are able to start it. Your transmission will be locked on your car when it determines that the key isn't matching the code. This is to ensure that only the owner has the right to start the car.
These keys are a great feature for your car because they deter theft of cars. Historically, car thieves could simply connect two wires together and use them to start the car, in the process called hot wiring. When cars began to use transponder chips making it more difficult to steal your car as the burglar required the correct key to transmit the signal needed to start the car.
If you have a traditional car key and have lost 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 hand, if you have a transponder or fob key, you'll have to visit the dealership to have it replaced. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to get the correct key for your vehicle.
They must make sure that the key they buy for you is compatible with your car to be capable of starting it up and unlock its doors. You will also need to provide evidence of ownership such as your registration or title in order to obtain a replacement key from the dealer. This kind of replacement might be more expensive, but it's worth it if you consider the possibility that your vehicle key was stolen. If you're worried about the cost, make sure to check whether your insurance or warranty will cover the cost. If it isn't it is likely that you will require bringing your vehicle to the dealer to be towed and then order it from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The most recent kind of car key is designed to function like an electronic remote, allowing motorists to open doors and start engines without the need to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These fobs, also called remote control or keyless entry keys, are typically less expensive to replace than older traditional type of keys. They are not indestructible however, neither are other consumer electronics. They're also easy to misplace and they can cease to function over time as they get jostled around in your pocket or purse.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to unlock and start the vehicle. When a sensor is tapped inside the vehicle, it detects that code and causes the doors to open and the engine to start. Some fobs have additional features, such as a button that calls the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you have lost your key fob, check to make sure your keys aren't in bags or purses that is secured. If they aren't there, then go through your day to see the places you could have lost them. Check your pockets, in any bags that you had with you, and also on countertops or other surfaces. You may be able find your keys in the place they were left or even briefly put them where you were going to buy something.
You can buy key fobs replacements on the internet, but they need to be programmed to your specific vehicle. Some, such as those used by Audi and Subaru need a trip to the dealership to get them reprogrammed to your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance firms such as AAA are often able to assist with this, too.
If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some stores will cut and program a fob purchased elsewhere at a lower cost than they charge to do similar work at the dealer. Certain key fobs may be replaced using only the outer shell leaving the electronics in good order. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to determine whether this is covered.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Cars have become 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 specialized machine. It can be more expensive to replace the lost car key using chip.
If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to call the local dealership to get a replacement. They can do this since they have an archive of your security information and can connect the new chip to your vehicle without hassle. The process can take a few extra days as the dealer needs to purchase the key directly from the manufacturer.
A professional locksmith can create an exact duplicate of the transponder key. It's more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealer however you'll save a lot of cash in the end. To obtain a duplicate key, you'll require the VIN number of your vehicle. This number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker in the door jamb for the driver.
lost key to car no spare will need to bring a copy of the old key with you. This way the locksmith can match the cuts made by the key. If you are unable to find your old key, you can check the trunk and other places where it might be hidden. Check your pockets and bags. You never know where you hid your keys, or if they fell out of your bag when you were searching for something else.
It is imperative to immediately start looking for your car keys if you are unable to locate them. Start by checking to make sure that you did not leave them at home or at the office. Then, take a close look at your day to determine if they may have been misplaced. After you've cleaned all of your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it is time to move on to more sophisticated search methods.