Lost Car Keys Replacement

All You Need to Know about Car Keys, Programming and more

Volkswagen (VW) Lost Car Key Replacement – All The Information You Need To Know About Volkswagen Replacement Key Fobs, Keyless Entry, Ignition Problems, Cost, Programming, Battery, and More.

Car keys replacement - Volkswagen
Car keys replacement – Volkswagen

 

Give Us a Call 24/7 For All Lost Volkswagen Car Keys

Call Us Now: 800-223-1453 

 

We deal with all Volkswagen models, including VW Beetle, CCGLIGolfGTIJettaPassatTiguanTouaregVR6 and more(click to see a complete list)

Automotive locksmith coding a new VW key fob on-site with a special coding machine
Automotive locksmith coding a new VW key fob on-site with a special coding machine

 

 

Quick access: click to get an answer!

Automotive locksmith is connecting the coding machine to the car's obd to program new keys
Automotive locksmith is connecting the coding machine to the car’s obd to program new keys

Volkswagen key replacement near me – things to remember before calling a locksmith

I have lost my Volkswagen key – Now what? What should I do?

Volkswagen key replacement cost – Estimated price for a new key 

VW transponder flip car key replacement (NBG010180T)
VW transponder flip car key replacement (NBG010180T)

How long does it take to get a replacement key for Volkswagen cars?

Volkswagen key replacement – What type of key did I have? a regular key, transponder or remote key fob?

Automotive locksmith coding machine for VW key fobs
Automotive locksmith coding machine for VW key fobs

Volkswagen key replacement by VIN – All you need to know

My Volkswagen ignition key won’t turn, what is the reason?

VW key fob car key replacement (NBG009066T)
VW key fob car key replacement (NBG009066T)

Volkswagen keys replacement – Price check, locksmith VS dealer

My Volkswagen ignition key won’t start the car, what may be the reason?

Volkswagen key cutting – who can cut a new key, what is the procedure, cost and more

Battery replacement information - Volkswagen
Battery replacement information – Volkswagen

Key fob battery replacement VW – cost, how to replace, type, size, programming, what do to when the battery is dead and more.

How to program a new Volkswagen key without the original? What is the procedure? Can I do it myself? What are the average cost of a programming a new key and a duplicate?

VW transponder key replacement - Automotive locksmith cutting machine
VW transponder key replacement – Automotive locksmith cutting machine

Can I use my insurance coverage to pay for my Volkswagen key replacement? – Useful information that can help you save money!

Want to get some useful tips before you call a locksmith? Read our blog post Locksmith near me

tips for locksmith near your location

 

Volkswagen keys replacement near me – things to remember before calling a locksmith or dealer

Volkswagen key replacement near me - Relevant information

Calling an automotive locksmith or a dealer near your location when you need a key replacement is probably the most common thing to do. Based on your location, an automotive locksmith can come to you, or you may choose to tow the car to the dealer.

We outline a few points to remember, to help you save some time and money regardless of which option you choose:

  1. First, always ask for a quote. Describe the problem in detail and give the automotive locksmith all the details, even if you think they may not be relevant. Moreover, If the locksmith has all the details, it can speed up the process and make it more cost-effective. Remember to give them your exact location to prevent a long waiting period. It may also affect the price.

    High security VW key replacement on cutting machine
    High security VW key replacement on cutting machine
  2. In addition, tell the locksmith/dealer if the ignition was changed before, as far as you know. A previous ignition change may result in different keys for the ignition and doors.
  3. Most Volkswagen models today are equipped with chips or transponders, so make sure you mention the exact year, make, and model and ask the locksmith if they have the necessary tools in their truck to code the key. Not all locksmiths have a key coding machine to program those keys.
  4. In addition, it’s important to have the VIN number available as the locksmith may need it.

    Tool to check chip value of Volkswagen car key
    Tool to check chip value of Volkswagen car key
  5. Finally, remember that for most Volkswagen models, there is no need to tow the car to the dealer should you lose your car keys. An automotive locksmith should be able to make you a new car key on site.

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What you should do when your Volkswagen car key is lost and how to get a replacement:

How to get a Volkswagen key replacement
How to get a Volkswagen key replacement

Generally speaking, you have three options:

  1. First, call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for VW cars. We can help you with that.
  2. Second, tow the car to the dealer.
  3. Third, order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program (if necessary) it for you.

For a more detailed explanation including tips on how to SAVE TIME AND MONEY please visit our blog post: How to get a replacement key

Blank transponder keys - VW
Blank transponder keys – VW

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FAQ Lost Volkswagen Key:

 

Q: Volkswagen (VW) key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Volkswagen key without the original? What is the average price?

The answer below is a short explanation. For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement cost

Volkswagen key replacement cost - Estimate

A: In a nutshell, to replace a Volkswagen key can cost anywhere between $12 and $480. The price you pay depends on several factors:

  1. The type of key
  2. The car’s year of manufacture
  3. The day of the week, the time of day (or night!) & your location
  4. Where you get the key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.)
  5. Availability of the code to cut a new key
  6. Original ignition or not
Original key fob replacement - VW
Original key fob replacement – VW

The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are maybe the most important factors.(chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key). The newer the car is, the better security features the key had and therefore you can expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key. Choose your Volkswagen model(from the drop-down menu) and type of key you had for a more accurate price and information.

In addition, it depends on where you get a key replacement. The dealer, automotive locksmith or get it online. Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.

The dealer usually charges about 10%-15% less than a locksmith would for the key. However, most chances you will have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote and therefore the total price is usually higher.

Cutting machine used by an automotive locksmith for Volkswagen keys
Cutting machine used by an automotive locksmith for Volkswagen keys

Furthermore, consider that if you are looking to have a locksmith come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may go up. That is especially relevant for the newer models (2015 and up) as those are equipped with a high-security key system.

Finally, in case your Volkswagen ignition cylinder was changed before (usually with older cars), that probably means that the code for the key may not be useful and the key will have to be either cut manually by a locksmith or to change the ignition again which in this case the dealer can’t be of help.

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Q: I lost my 2016 VW Passat key fob and I have no spare. I need to know how long does it take and do you make replacement Lost VW keys on-site?

MaxiIM 508 car key programming machine for Volkswagen models
MaxiIM 508 car key programming machine for Volkswagen models

A: Generally speaking, for a new Volkswagen key, fob, remote or smart key, the process should take about one to two hours, depending on the year of manufacture and model of the car.

If codes are available, this process is even faster.

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Q: How can I know if my VW CC 2014 key had a chip in it? I understand that some keys need to be programmed and some don’t?

Volkswagen car key coding machine

A: A good rule of thumb is that a key that had a plastic cover at the top and/or the vehicle was manufactured after the year 2000 most likely had a chip in it.

Hence, if you’ve lost your Volkswagen key and it had a chip in it, the key will have to be programmed/ coded on-site in order to start the car.

An automotive locksmith for Volkswagen keys replacement can do that on-site. Alternatively, you can contact the dealer, but the car will have to be towed there.

All VW key fobs and transponder keys must be coded with a special programming machine
All VW key fobs and transponder keys must be coded with a special programming machine

Below are examples of the different types of Volkswagen keys and remote “push to start button” smart key fobs:

Fob car key – Volkswagen fob remote “push to start” intelligent car key: It typically looks like some sort of remote. This fob car key has a chip and therefore will need to be coded.

 

Key fob, battery and emergency key - Volkswagen
Key fob, battery and emergency key – Volkswagen

Key fob replacement VW (NBG009066T)
Key fob replacement VW (NBG009066T)

The next image is of a Volkswagen key that has a transponder chip in it and therefore NEEDS to be coded. The chip is located inside the cover at the top.

Volkswagen flip car keys replacement (transponder chip keys)
Volkswagen flip car keys replacement (transponder chip keys)

 

Transponder key VW
Transponder key VW

 

The next image is of a Volkswagen key that doesn’t contain a chip and therefore DOES NOT NEED to be coded. It’s a simple metal key.

VW non-transponder key - No need to program
VW non-transponder key – No need to program

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Q: Can I get a Volkswagen key replacement by VIN?

Volkswagen key replacement by VIN number explained

A: That depends on the year of manufacture of your car and the type of key you had.

The VIN gives Volkswagen dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process very fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:

Volkswagen key fob Emergency key to unlock the door

  1. For vehicles older than 10 years: Volkswagen dealers don’t keep a record for vehicles older than 10 years. An automotive locksmith is therefore your only option to get a replacement key.
  2. For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or a remote/intelligent key/fob key: Codes are available. However, as coding is required, you will have to either tow the car to the dealer, or have an automotive locksmith come and code the key on site.

Click here to learn more about VIN number.

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Q: My 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan ignition key won’t turn and my wheel is locked. What is the reason and can you change my ignition for me? What should I do? How can I get a new Volkswagen ignition?

Rekey kit for Volkswagen ignition cylinder - Used by an automotive locksmith to repair ignitions
Rekey kit for Volkswagen ignition cylinder – Used by an automotive locksmith to repair ignitions

A: There are a number of reasons why the ignition key won’t turn. The key may be worn out,  or jammed; the ignition may be rusty, or its wafers broken. An automotive locksmith for Volkswagen cars can determine the reason on site and solve the problem. We can help you in this scenario.

Remember that losing your Volkswagen ignition key does not mean that you have to change the ignition. In most cases, you won’t have to.

For more information please visit: My ignition key won’t turn

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Q: My Volkswagen smart key will not start the car. The battery is new, the lights are on and the radio works. What may be the reason?

Advanced Diagnostics "Smart Pro" coding machine for Volkswagen car keys
Advanced Diagnostics “Smart Pro” coding machine for Volkswagen car keys

A: There are a couple of reasons for the key not starting the car – it could be a mechanical problem or a key-related problem. Please visit: My ignition key won’t start the car for more information.

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Q: Can you explain why there is a difference in the cost of replacement keys between Volkswagen models? What would be the price for a newer model at the dealer VS an automotive locksmith?

Variety of VW keys
Variety of VW keys

A: The price for a Volkswagen key replacement varies according to the year of manufacture and the model. In the main, there are two different types of Volkswagen keys when it comes to replacement key cost:

  1. Non-transponder chip key – there is no need to code the key.
  2. Transponder chip keys  – the key needs to be coded.

Here’s an example of the price you can expect to pay for a key replacement:

Non-transponder replacement key cost –

Non-transponder Volkswagen key replacement
Non-transponder Volkswagen key replacement

From a Dealer –

If no coding is needed, you can call the dealer and have him cut you a new replacement key, which you can pick up at your convenience.

However, if the ignition was changed in the past, as may happen with older models, the codes the dealer has on file will not work and so the key won’t turn in the ignition.

It is also important to remember that the dealer only has codes on file for the original ignition and up to a certain year.  If the car is too old, it may be difficult to get a replacement key from the dealer.

Estimated cost: Usually around $95 for a new key.

 

From an Automotive Locksmith:

A locksmith usually charges a service fee plus the cost of the parts and labor for a replacement key.

You can therefore expect to pay more than the dealer would charge. However, since the cost of a non-transponder chip key is minor, you shouldn’t pay much more than the dealer charge and you have the convenience of a solution at your location as many locksmiths offer a mobile service.

Estimated cost: Usually around $155.

Transponder chip / “push to start” / fob / remote Volkswagen replacement key cost:

Volkswagen transponder key replacement
Volkswagen transponder key replacement
Volkswagen transponder key replacement
Volkswagen transponder key replacement

From a Dealer –

Keys of this type have to be coded in order to start the car and therefore the car will have to be towed to the dealership which will result in an additional cost.

The estimated cost for a transponder key: Usually around $200 for a new key.

An estimated cost for a remote key: Usually around $380 for a new key.

 

VW remote car key replacement - Push to start key fob
VW remote car key replacement – Push to start key fob

From an Automotive locksmith:

A locksmith usually charges a service fee plus the cost of the parts and labor for a replacement key so you can expect to pay more than the dealer would charge.

However, an automotive locksmith operating a mobile service can make the key on-site and therefore save you time and money and the hassle of towing the car to the dealer.

The estimated cost for a transponder key: Usually around $250 for a new key.

An estimated cost for a remote key: Usually around $450 for a new key.

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Q: Volkswagen key cutting – Who can cut a new key for my car? Can I get it done at any hardware store or should I go to an automotive locksmith or dealer? What is the procedure and how much does it cost?

"Blank" - Unused, new Volkswagen key - Must be cut first
“Blank” – Unused, new Volkswagen key – Must be cut first

A: There many different types of Volkswagen keys. Some can be cut with a basic cutting machine (mostly for older models made before 2010) and some, such as laser cut keys, can only be cut with a more advanced machine, which not all locksmiths carry, and definitely not hardware stores. Therefore, do your research before you decide where to get your Volkswagen key cut.

The next image is of a non-transponder key on a regular cutting machine:

Manual car key cutting machine (HPC) - for Volkswagen keys
Manual car key cutting machine (HPC) – for Volkswagen keys

In addition, there are a few things to consider:

First, you have to remember that cutting a new Volkswagen key probably won’t be enough for you to start your vehicle as most Volkswagen models made after 2007 requires coding in addition to cutting the key. Saying that, you will have to take care of coding the keys as well AFTER you had your key cut. Click here to see programming information for Volkswagen fobs, remotes and transponder keys

The next image is of a cut key and programming machine:

Cutting & programming Volkswagen key
Cutting & programming Volkswagen key

Second, the newer your Volkswagen is, the more chances the key is a laser-cut key. Cutting newer Volkswagen keys require a different machine than for those keys made before 2017. Therefore,  make sure you ask the locksmith or dealer if they can cut you the key you need. In case your Volkswagen model is older than 1995, you may be able to get the key cut at some hardware stores as well.

Newer keys require a more advanced cutting machine
Newer keys require a more advanced cutting machine

Finally, try to get the key code, which makes the process of cutting a new key very fast, from your dealer. They should be able to provide it for you after verification that you are the owner. Once you have this code, any locksmith should be able to cut you the key within minutes, and it would be cheaper as well.

How much should you expect to pay for cutting your Volkswagen key?

Laser-cut keys or remote emergency keys – About $50 if you have the key code. (If not about $80)

Regular key, transponder keys – about $20 if you have the key code. (If not about $50)

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A complete list of VW models:

Volkswagen ArteonAtlas, BeetleCabrio, Cabriolet, CCCorradoEosEurovan, FastbackFoxGLIGolf, Golf Alltrack, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, e-Golf, GTIJetta, Jetta Sport Wagen, Karmann Ghia, MicrobusPassat, Passat Sedan, Passat WagonPhaetonR32RabbitRoutanScirocco, Squareback, Super Beetle, ThingTiguanTouareg, T1, T2, VanagonVR6.

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