The car key is so small yet absolutely crucial to prevent a whole day from being ruined. Lost keys are a burden to deal with even though technology has advanced to help prevent a loss. This is a particular inconvenience when you don't have a spare key. Have no fear; we'll advise you on your options if your car uses a keyfob or traditional cut key.
We strongly advise that you get a spare key made as well to keep in a safe place, as it's a lifesaver.
Related: Is Mileage or Age More Important When Purchasing a Used Car?
I've lost my keys, and I don't have a spare. What are my options?
1. Call a car locksmith
Usually, this is the first port of call. Car locksmiths have or have access to order blank generic keys which they can cut/program to work with your car. Modern cars have a security transponder in the key that communicates with the car's immobiliser, but these transponders in the new keys can coded to work with your car. Regardless of if you have a keyfob or traditional key, locksmiths generally have a solution for you. Locksmiths, if the blank keys are available, can take around an hour to have you back on the road.
2. Contact your OEM Dealership
Some manufacturers require you to have the keyfob for some cars be ordered directly from the OEM supplier as well as coded and matched to your car's VIN number. It seems extreme, but this is done to reduce the risk of car theft. With some cars, you may have to replace a security module even along with the key.
3. Talk to your insurance
If you don't know a locksmith who can help and you're in a pinch, if you're insured, you can call up your insurer for assistance, and they'll call a qualified locksmith to sort out your car key needs. Just check if your insurance policy covers keys, though.
Is it expensive to replace a lost car key?
The cost to replace car keys varies as it also depends on the complexity of the key system for your car. Older cars with a transponder separate from the key can be relatively cheap to replace, as you can just source a generic blank key and have it cut. Some keys where the transponder is built into the key casing have a bit more complication to them and will therefore cost more to replace. Keyfobs tend to be expensive in general as it's not just the programming and cutting of the blank key inside the fob, but the unit itself tends to be costly in OEM form but can be slightly cheaper if you manage to source a generic fob. If your car's physical lock barrels were damaged during a theft and the lockset barrels can't be rebuilt, then you'll have to replace your car's locks as well. In general, however, you don't have to get new locks when you replace your keys.
My car keys were stolen, what should I do?
In the instance where your car keys have been stolen, it's best to get an affidavit from the police, contact your insurance if you're insured and, depending on which car you have, either contact a car locksmith or head to your OEM dealership. In the instance of a keyfob, you can reprogramme your car to only work with the new key and not recognise the old one. In the instance of a traditional key, you'll have to change out the lockset and the ignition barrel and program the blank key's transponder to work with the car's immobiliser if your car has one.
