WHAT TO DO WHEN TRANSPONDER KEY IS LOST

Lost car keys are the worst! Not only do you feel helpless by being unable to drive your car, but you also worry about who finds your key and what they plan to do with it. Your mind typically goes through a series of emotions. You feel anger at yourself for being careless. You feel worry because your car may be in danger of being stolen. You feel anxiety because now you have an additional expense that you hadn’t planned on having. All of these stresses go through your head at once when you lose a regular car key, but when you lose a transponder key, the problem gets magnified a few times!

This is because transponder keys are harder to replace and more costly to duplicate. In fact, that’s the reason that they are so effective at reducing auto theft – the thief can’t affordably or easily make a copy of your key and steal your car!

Are my car keys transponder keys?

At this point you may be wondering if your car keys are of the transponder variety or not. That, of course, depends on how old (or new) your vehicle is. If your car is a model from 1995 on, it almost definitely uses transponder chip keys. Auto makers have adapted use of transponder keys since that time and have no plans whatsoever to stop using them. They have been so effective at cutting down the rate of car theft not only here in South Milwaukee, WI but all over the country!

Transponder keys transmit

The word transponder means to transmit and that’s the beauty of these special keys. They contain a computer chip embedded in the key’s head. This chip transmits a signal to your car’s computer. If the signal is recognized, the engine starts. If it doesn’t, your ignition system will not work and your car is going nowhere. Transponder keys are hard to duplicate. Not only is making a key copy expensive, only certain car dealers and locksmiths are allowed by the manufacturer to do so.

Car thieves can’t stealthily make a copy of your ignition key and put it back on your desk or in your purse. While non-transponder keys can be cut or copied at local convenience or hardware stores, true transponder keys cannot. Ironically, this also presents a problem for you if you ever lose or break yours.

Your key is lost; now what?

If you lose your transponder key, there are several options for you to take; few of them good. Here at South Milwaukee Locksmith we are often asked about these alternative ways to deal with a lost transponder key and what you are about to read is what we recommend.

Ordering online

Yes, transponder keys are sold online. Save your money! Buying keys like this will only result in frustration, money loss and time wasted. These keys are not authorized by the car makers and not only are refunds practically impossible to get, the keys don’t work! Then, there are shipping fees and waiting times to further frustrate you.

Transponder key insurance

While this may be legitimate depending on the company, the premiums are so high that you might as well just forget this alternative route altogether! Most people pay their premiums for so long without ever needing to actually have a transponder key replaced that they default on their payments and let the policy lapse. Our opinion; forget about it!

Car dealer option

As stated earlier, many car dealers are authorized to make legitimate transponder keys and to program the chips, too. Is this a valid option for you? It can be but is it the best option for you? We don’t think so, and here’s why. In order to properly match your transponder chip with your car’s computer, the dealer will need direct access to your car. You guessed it – you can’t turn the ignition and start the car without your key!

That leaves towing! Also, your dealership charges a pretty penny to duplicate and program transponder keys – that is the whole point of their use; they are hard to copy! Prove it to yourself – call a few dealerships and get some price quotes. Be sure to ask about other charges while you are at it. This can include labor costs, towing, spare keys, etc. You also have to have the work done right there; at the dealer’s location and endure their service area sitting room and the long waits.

The best option

You probably guessed it; call a locksmith! Now, let’s refine that option a bit. Don’t call just any technician from any shop; call a qualified one. In other words, use a professional that is licensed, bonded, insured and experienced in full service automotive locksmith service. Most any lock professional can make a regular key or install a deadbolt. What you need is a skilled professional that is fully mobile and can come directly to your car’s location and not only duplicate a transponder key but program it as well.

Many locksmiths in town are qualified to do this job and don’t charge big fees, either. Use a shop that offers free price quotes and 24-hour emergency service.

Spare key

Get one! That’s right; use the right locksmith and you’ll save enough money to justify having a spare transponder key made. Take special care of this key and either put it away for safekeeping or give it to a trusted family member, friend or neighbor. You never know when your main transponder key will become lost or stolen. It might break off in the lock or its computer chip might come out during a fall. It’s nice to have a sure-fire option to fall back on and having this spare transponder key gives it to you. Just make sure that you really trust the person that you give it to. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, tuck it away in a safe place that you’ll remember, where it can await your use for it if ever it is needed.