How to Replace a Lost Car Key
It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys. Contacting your local dealer or locksmith is typically the best method to start. They'll need proof of ownership and the key from before in order to create a new one.
However, this isn't always the most economical option.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys made of metal were once the most common type of vehicle key. They have grooves on both sides that fit into a matching set of slots in the ignition. The key is then inserted into the ignition and turned to start the car. If you have lost a traditional key it can cost less than other types of keys to replace them.
You can get a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you are waiting. They will need to know your vehicle's make and model, as well as the year it was made. The locksmith might also require to present proof of ownership to confirm that you're legally authorized to purchase a new key.
Transponder keys are more common in newer vehicles. They're a bit more costly to replace than traditional keys, but they're also more secure against theft. The head of the transponder keys has an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system of your car to make sure that it can only be started with the right key.
The chips that are used in modern transponder keys are usually programmed with a specific code when the car is sold for the first time. Some have rolling codes, that send an additional code every time the key is used. lost car key have no spare makes it difficult for thieves to copy the code. If you own a contemporary vehicle with a transponder key, you should always keep it in a secure location.
Transponder keys have a longer lifespan than traditional keys, however they are more expensive to replace should you lose them. If you lose a transponder keys, you'll need to contact the dealer to get the replacement. You'll need to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) which will tell the dealer what car it is compatible with.
You'll also have to provide the serial number of your car. This number is usually found on a sticker on the driver's side door or the owner's manual. It's important to have these numbers handy because they will help you locate your car in the event that it is lost or stolen.
Transponder Keys
If you own a car made in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your key has transponder chips. These tiny bits of technology are programmed specifically for the specific vehicle, ensuring that only you can start it. Your transmission will lock your vehicle if it senses the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner has the right to start the vehicle.
These keys are ideal for your car as they stop car theft. In the past, thieves of cars could simply connect two wires and use them to start the car, in an operation called hot wiring. 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 to send a signal to start the car.
If you have a traditional car key and have lost it, you can have a new one cut on the spot by a local locksmith. The old key will be deleted from the system of your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have a transponder or a fob key, you will have to visit the dealer to have it replaced. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to purchase the correct key for your vehicle.
This is because they need to ensure that the key that they are ordering for you is paired with your vehicle to be able to start it and open your doors. You'll also need to provide proof of ownership, like your registration or title to get the replacement key from the dealership. This can make this type of replacement slightly more expensive, but in the long run it is worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could be stolen. If you are concerned about the cost of replacing your lost car key, you should whether it is covered under your warranty or insurance. If not, you'll need to bring your car to a dealer to have it towed. You can also purchase the key from the manufacturer.
Fob Keys
The latest type of car keys are designed to act as remotes, allowing motorists to open the doors and start the engine without having to insert an ordinary key into the ignition. They are also referred to as remote control or keyless entry keys, are usually cheaper to replace than older, traditional variety. However, as with any other piece of technology used in the modern world, they are not indestructible. They're also easy for people to lose and can stop working over time as they are jostled around in your purse or pocket.
Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to open and start the vehicle. When the fob is placed on an inside sensor, the code is read and the doors open and the engine begins. Some fobs have additional features, like a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).
If you have lost your key fob, ensure that your keys aren't in bags or purses that is locked. If they're not there you should go through your day to find the places you could have lost the keys. You can also search in your pockets, bags you may have had or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys where they were left or even briefly put them in your bag when you went to buy something.
lost car key have no spare can purchase key fobs replacement 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 visiting a dealership to have them reprogrammed to your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance companies like 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 what they charge to complete the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shell of certain fobs that are key and leave the electronics inside in good working order. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you have any insurance that covers this.
Keys that are chipped Keys
Over the years, cars 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 special machine. This means it could be a bit more costly to replace lost car keys when they're equipped with chips in the keys.
You'll need to contact the local dealership if you lose or get it stolen. They can do this since they have a record of your security details and can pair the new chip to your vehicle without hassle. The process may take a few additional days due to the dealer having to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer.
The good thing is that it's possible to have a duplicate made for your transponder chip key by a professional locksmith. The process is more complicated than simply taking your car to the dealership, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run. In order to get an additional key, you will require the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is located on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.
You'll need a duplicate of the old key along with you. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you're unable to locate your old key, then try looking in the trunk and other places where it might be hidden. Examine your bags and pockets. You don't know if your set your keys down somewhere or if they fell out of your bag when reaching for something else.
If you can't find your car keys, then you must immediately begin searching for them. First, you must check to make sure that you did not leave them at home or at the office. Then, carefully review your day to determine the possibility of having lost them. Once you've cleared all of your pockets and checked all of your bags, it is time to move on to more sophisticated search methods.