Star Norfolk Locksmith
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Have you lost your transponder key? If so, we sympathize! The staff here at Star Norfolk Locksmith knows what a hassle it is to try and find it, much less replace it. That’s why we’ve made this post – to be helpful to those that need help with lost transponder chip keys.
First of all, don’t panic! It’s hard to do but stay calm. Getting stressed out can lead to cloudy judgement calls and further mistakes. You may be wracking your brain, trying to remember where you lost your key. You may be worried that the wrong person might find your key and steal your car. You may be stressed out over the hassle and added expense of having your transponder key replaced. Relax. Take a deep breath and know that you still have options.
The million dollar question…
It’s true; many people don’t know what a transponder key actually is. Our Norfolk, VA lock professionals often find that there is confusion as to just what constitutes an actual transponder key. There’s really no mystery. The word TRANSPONDER means “to transmit” and that’s exactly what these keys do. The chip embedded in the key handle transmits a signal to the computer in your car telling it that it’s alright to start the engine. If the wrong key is used, the signal won’t match and your car will not start. This is why transponder keys have been so instrumental in lowering the rate of car theft for so many years. These specialized keys are not easy to just go and duplicate. The transponder key must be programmed to match your car and only authorized car dealers have been previously allowed to provide this service. It’s complicated, expensive and very time consuming.
Are you just missing part of your key?
Here’s another little known fact; the chip in your transponder key can actually fall out! Does your key still work? Yes and no. It will still work on your door and trunk locks but it will NOT send a signal to your car’s computer; hence, it won’t start. Do you still need a key replacement? You do if you want to drive! Don’t worry – we mentioned that previously only authorized car dealers could program and duplicate transponder keys. The good news is that now your better quality automotive locksmiths can too! More on that in a minute!
The affordable plan
When you use a full service automotive locksmith to replace your car’s transponder key you reap many benefits. Here in Norfolk, VA there are quite a few shops that offer this service, including ours. We suggest that you call around and find a lock and key establishment that you can work with. Do this BEFORE you’ve lost your key. In fact, once you find a shop that resonates with you, enter their contact information into you smart phone for handy access anytime you need their help. A licensed, bonded and insured lock professional can come in handy anytime you have car lock issues or needs. A well rounded and skilled locksmith can also help with home, business and emergency locksmith needs. From transponder key duplication and programming to deadbolt installation and keyless entry repair, your locksmith can be a real boon to your overall security and safety.
Why not call a car dealer?
If you lose your transponder key you most certainly can call your car dealership for help in replacing it. It’s A choice but it’s not the BEST choice, and here’s why. In order to perfectly match your new transponder key to your car’s computer you will have to have your car towed in to the dealer’s location. Once there you will have to endure long service area waits as well as pay middle man fees as they have to call THEIR locksmith in to do the actual work.
A fully certified automotive locksmith can come directly to you and do the work on-site and at your convenience. No towing, no high mark-ups, no service area waits; just convenient and affordable service that will result in a newly programmed and duplicated transponder key, just for you.
Can’t I buy a transponder key online?
Yes, you can. Good luck with that as online transponder keys are not authorized and rarely work. Even if they come with a guarantee, that’s only as good as the people behind it. If they choose to ignore you and not pay out your refund, you are out time, money and a few hairs on your head. Many of these are found at E Bay, Craigslist, Backpage, and other similar sites. You can even purchase transponder key replacement insurance but usually the cost of a policy is less than that of a local locksmith service call. You can dance around replacing your transponder key the legitimate way but you are only prolonging the situation and running up your bill in the process.
Your best choice
Well, your best option is to NOT lose your transponder key in the first place! Try keeping it in the same place so that it’s easy to find when you need it. Too often, people just throw their keys on a bed, sofa or desk and then have to hunt around for them later when those keys are actually needed. It’s too easy for something as small as a key to fall behind a couch cushion or to be dropped by child who was playing with it and suddenly lost. This is not so bad if you are dealing with a “regular” key and have a drawer full of spares but with a one-of-a-kind transponder key, it’s a whole different matter!
If you do happen to lose your transponder key; call a local Norfolk, VA automotive locksmith that is established, fully certified as well as bonded and insured. Insist on 24-hour emergency service availability with fast response times; even if you don’t need it at the moment. Most lock shops like this are more affordably priced than your other options and they also offer faster, more convenient service, as well.
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