What to Do When Transponder Key is Lost

Lost a transponder key? This can be a big pain. Where do you even begin?

Well, if you go on Google and plug in ‘lost transponder key’ you will probably find a plethora of videos which pop up about how to do things such as start your vehicle without a transponder key. This is something that we advise against, as tampering with the necessary components of your vehicle to do this could cause a lot of damage.

Keep Your Cool

Don’t sweat it if you have managed to misplace your transponder key – although we know that this is easier said than done! Just relax, because the issue can and will be resolved.

Losing a transponder key is different than losing just a standard key. It involves the use of technology, first of all, which means not just anyone can replace it or reprogram it. Special equipment and knowledge are needed to get the job done. Here’s what you should know if you have a transponder key that is lost:

• Transponder keys are not exactly cheap to replace.

To copy or create a new transponder key, you could be looking at a couple hundred dollars. This isn’t even affordable for many people. Think about what you could buy with that! This is why it is a good idea to keep the copy you have of your transponder key in a very safe place. Many vehicles come with two so be sure to keep one in a safe spot.

• Not just anyone can duplicate transponder keys.

Transponder keys are duplicated or programmed using special equipment and this isn’t something that just anyone will have. Because there is a tiny transponder chip in the key, a person must know how to work with this type of technology. The chip is a match for your vehicle’s computer. A local locksmith is a good place to turn because typically, the locksmiths who work there will have the training and equipment necessary to duplicate and program transponder keys.

• Your local locksmith will likely offer the best deals for transponder key services.

Many vehicle owners assume that for all car problems, they must go to a mechanic or the dealership. This is not always the case. As a matter of fact, more often than not, this will end up costing you more money. A locksmith will offer great deals. Many locksmiths are trained to be able to work with high-tech or contemporary vehicle locks and keys. We are a locksmith that always offers great deals, and we offer upfront, free price quotes for customers. Why not, at the very least, get on the phone with a locksmith in your area to take advantage of a free price quote if you lost your transponder key? Compare it to the rate offered by the dealership to fix the problem – you might be very surprised.

• Be prepared to prove you are the rightful owner of the car, if you lose the transponder key.

Transponder keys were designed with the idea of making thing more convenient for drivers but also to lessen the opportunity for theft to occur. So, it is a given that in order to keep that level of security, you’re going to need to be able to prove you own the vehicle. Just keep this in mind when you go in for transponder key programming or duplication.

• Don’t try starting the car without the transponder key.

You won’t be able to start your vehicle with the lack of a usable transponder key. Again, call an expert for assistance because you could end up causing damage, or more harm than good overall.

• See if insurance will make a difference.

Insurance exists for a reason. You might be concerned that duplicating or programming a transponder key will cost a lot of money. But insurance exists for a reason. It won’t always cover any of a transponder key service, but it is worth checking if it is a service that you need.

For additional details about transponder keys and the many services you can access, get on the phone with a licensed and insured locksmith, such as ours! We make sure to provide numerous automotive lock and key services to locals in Covington, GA and the surrounding area. We understand the importance of security, as most locksmiths do. So, if you happen to be living outside of our service area, just do an online search for the best locksmith by you. You can also ask trusted friends or neighbors if they have someone they recommend. This definitely beats spending a fortune at the dealership – and we aren’t saying that the cost will always be unreasonable – we are just saying that we tend to offer much better rates.

Remember to take care of your vehicle’s locks and keys – this means pay attention if anything starts to go wrong. If you notice that it takes an effort to insert the key into the ignition and start the car (meaning you have to wiggle it around a little bit while inserting in the ignition), then you might end up needing a service like broken key extraction or even an ignition change. These are other services that an automotive locksmith will be able to offer. So, whether you have an issue with your transponder key or not, it is a wise idea to have an automotive locksmith in mind. Remember that there are many services that are at your disposal, and it is always best to hire an expert when it comes to dealing with locks and keys and security. Thanks for learning more about transponder keys and what to do if you ever misplace one. We hope that you have found this information to be beneficial in offering the guidance you were looking for.