You may be surprised that replacing a lost car key is easier to do today than many years ago. Locksmiths now have the equipment needed to create transponder ignition keys and even program a special key fob. If you need to replace a lost car key, or simply want a second key made, consider calling a locksmith to have it done. You'll need these three things to do it.
Know The Car's Key Type
Your car could require one of several kinds of keys. If you have a very old car with a traditional key, no programming will be required to have a brand new key made. However, more modern cars can be much more complicated.
Transponder keys are ones that look like a traditional key but have a small microchip in it. Others don't use a traditional key at all and use a smart key fob instead. These keys do not even need to be inserted into the ignition, they just need to be inside the car for you to start the vehicle.
Know The Car's Model and Make
You will also need to supply the locksmith with specific information about your vehicle. They'll need to know what type of vehicle you have, as well as the year the vehicle was manufactured. The locksmith can use this information to find correct information about the key needed for your vehicle.
Reach out to the locksmith with this information before you need the key made. It is possible that they may not have your specific transponder key or key fob in stock, and need to special order it for your car. If they have everything in stock, making a new key can be done on the spot and you'll have the new key made in about half an hour.
Know The Car's VIN
The locksmith will want to verify that the car you're requesting a key for actually belongs to you. They can do this by giving them the vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number; this information is used to look up who actually owns the car. You will also need to supply matching identification to prove that you are the person listed as an owner. This means that if the car belongs to your significant other, they must be the one that works with a locksmith to get a brand new key made.
Have more questions? Reach out to your local locksmith like Vista Lock & Safe Co for assistance.
