Lost Key & Key Fob Replacement: What You Need to Know
Losing a car key is very stressful, but it can feel like a nightmare when you don't have a spare. Don't be alarmed if this happens to you. You don't have to put your entire life on hold or empty your bank account because of a misplaced car key. It's incredible how much we rely on our cars daily. Many of us would only be able to get to work with our vehicles.
Believe it or not, it is possible to have a duplicate of your car key created without the original key and without breaking the bank.
How Do Key Fobs Function?
How can your car start if you don't insert and twist a key? The key fob is a feature that allows the driver to store the key in their pocket, handbag, or anywhere else in the vehicle. The fob generates a signal when the driver hits the start/stop button on the automobile. This signal connects with the vehicle's computer system, causing the engine to start. In other words, this is a keyless technology that most car enthusiasts are excited about.
Although regardless of if it is a key or a key fob, in some unfortunate events, the car owner may misplace or lose them. How should you deal with this situation? What are the steps to overcome this misfortune?
Do all automobiles have key fobs?
Unlike traditional twist-and-turn metal keys, push-to-start fobs do not insert into your vehicle's ignition. The keyless ignition technology became popular in the early 2000s, providing drivers with a convenient way to start their vehicles. Keyless ignition systems were standard on cars sold in the year 2018.
What if the driver misplaces the key fob?
The manufacturer will program it to work with your car's ignition and computer system. If you lose the fob, you must submit proof of ownership before receiving a replacement fob. These frequently pricey keys are custom-made to keep your care safe and secure. Anyone who can order and configure a fob for your automobile may quickly start and steal it.
To prevent this, the dealer, locksmith, or online retailer from which you purchase a fob will probably want documents of your driver's license, car ownership, and registration. Upon receiving and verifying your documentation, the dealership, locksmiths, and another service will match your automobile's brand, model, year, and VIN to a particular fob.
What Should I Do If My Car Keys Have Been Stolen?
If your car keys are stolen, an auto locksmith can do the following:
- Reboot your vehicle and deprogram the stolen keys, making the old ones unusable by the person who stole them.
- The door locks and ignition barrel may need to be modified depending on the age of the vehicle.
How to Avoid Losing Your Key
If you would not want to lose your key fob again, make the following changes:
- Put it in the same spot all the time—Assign a set location for your key fob (such as a wall-mounted holder), so you always know where it is.
- Get an essential finder app—Various key finder apps are available for tracking your keys or fobs.
- Check your pockets—Each time you leave a location, double-check your bags to ensure your key fob is still with you.
- Attach your fob to a keychain—Having your car keys or a key fob tied to a visible band may help you avoid losing them in the future.
No, in many circumstances. A trained locksmith at an independent auto repair shop providing automobile services can replace and program a fob. Getting a locksmith to restore and configure your key fob will save time and cash. Most locksmiths sell the key fobs and can reprogram a key fob initially bought.
In an emergency, an automotive locksmith service can also assist you. If you misplace your single key fob, you won't have to wait for the manufacturer to order the component and schedule a reprogramming.
Although automotive locksmiths can replace most fobs, certain manufacturers only allow their dealers to configure these keys.
Lost Car Key Replacement in Houston
Our 24-hour emergency automotive, residential, and commercial services are available for your needs anywhere in and around the area, and we work around the clock. Call us if you have a broken key, a locked door, a lock replacement, a barrel replacement, a cylinder replacement, or any other service. We are prepared to outperform the competition and meet your requirements to the best of our abilities.
Visit our Auto Body Shop
Our locksmith professionals in our business division specialize in high-security cylinder locks and re-keys, card access control systems, panic alarms, electronic keypads, keyless entry systems, and other services. We offer key fob replacement in Houston, TX. Call us to have one of our professionals for a consultation and a free quote: (713) 266-2690 or
