How to Replace a Lost Car Key

It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys. Usually, the best place to start is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. To make a replacement key, they'll require proof of ownership along with the original key.

However, this isn't always the most cost-effective option.

Traditional Keys

Car keys made of metal were once the most common. They have grooves on both sides that can be inserted into a set of slots inside the ignition. The key is then inserted into the ignition and turned to get your car started. If you lose a traditional ignition key, it is less expensive than other keys to obtain a replacement.

You can call an automotive locksmith to have a brand new traditional key made while you wait. They'll need to know the model and make of your vehicle along with the year of its manufacture. The locksmith may also require proof of ownership in order to verify your eligibility to purchase a key.

Transponder keys are more common in newer vehicles. They're a bit more expensive to replace than traditional keys, however they are more safe from theft. The plastic head of the transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system of your vehicle to ensure that it can only be started by the correct key.

When a car is sold, the chips in transponder keys will be programmed using a code. Some of them use rolling codes which transmit an additional code every time the key is used. This makes it difficult for thieves to copy the key. It is important to keep your transponder keys in a safe location if you own a modern vehicle with one.

Transponder keys last longer than traditional metal ones, but are more expensive to replace in the case of the loss. If you lose a transponder keys you'll need to call the dealer to get a new one. You'll need to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) which tells the dealer what vehicle it's compatible with.

You'll also need to provide the serial number of your car. The serial number is located on a sticker on the door to the driver's side or a card in your owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can help you find your vehicle in the event that it is stolen or lost.

Transponder Keys

If you own a car manufactured in the last 20 years or so it is likely that your key has a transponder chip. These tiny bits of technology are programmed to the specific vehicle, ensuring that only you can start it. Your transmission will be locked on your vehicle if it senses the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner can start the vehicle.

They are a fantastic feature for your car as they deter theft of cars. Traditionally, car thieves were able to simply touch two wires and use them to start the car, in a process called hot wiring. However, when cars began using transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal them as the person who steals them must have the correct key to transmit the signal required to start your car.

Fortunately, if you own an old-fashioned key and lose it, a locksmith in your area can cut you a new one right away and delete your old one from the system. If you own an transponder key or fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to purchase a new one. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to get the correct key for your vehicle.

This is because they be required to verify that the key that they're ordering for you is paired with your particular vehicle to be able to start it and open your doors. You will also need to show proof of ownership, like your registration or title, in order to obtain a replacement key from the dealer. This can make this type of replacement slightly more expensive however in the end, it's worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could be stolen. If you are concerned about the cost of replacing lost car keys your lost car key, make sure to determine if it's covered by your car insurance or warranty. If not, you'll need to bring your car to a dealer to have it towed and get the key from the manufacturer.

Fob Keys

The latest kind of car keys are designed to function as remotes, allowing motorists to open the doors and start the engine without having to insert an ordinary key into the ignition. They are also referred to as remote control or keyless entry keys, are typically less expensive to replace than the older traditional versions. They are not indestructible however, neither are other electronic gadgets for consumers. They're also easy for people to lose and can stop working in time when they are jostled around in your pocket or purse.

Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to unlock and start the car. When the fob is placed on an inside sensor the code is read and the doors open and the engine is started. Certain fobs include additional features, such as a button to summon the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).

If you lose a key fob, the initial step is to make sure that the keys aren't in the locked compartment of your purse or bag. If they aren't there, then go through your day to see where you might have lost the keys. You can also look in your pockets, bags you may have, or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You may be able find your keys where they were left or even briefly put them where you were going to purchase something.

You can purchase key fobs replacements on the internet, but they must be programmed to your specific vehicle. Some, such as the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require a trip to the dealership to get them reprogrammed to match your specific key. Good news! Roadside assistance companies such as AAA can help you with this.

If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program a fob bought elsewhere at a lower cost than they charge to complete similar work at the dealer. It is also possible to replace the outer shell of certain key fobs with the electronics in good working order. Check your auto club membership or insurance policy to see whether this is covered.

Chipped Keys

Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced over time, which has lead to more sophisticated keys for cars. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a specialized machine. This means it will be more expensive to replace lost car keys if they're equipped with chips in the key.

If you lose your transponder chip key or motor it is stolen from you, you will need to contact the local dealership to get an alternative. This is because they keep a record of the security information in their system and can pair the new chip to your vehicle without too much hassle. The process can take a few more days due to the dealer having to order the key directly from the manufacturer.

The good thing is that it's possible to get a duplicate of the transponder chip of your car by a professional locksmith. It is a little more complex than taking your car to a dealership however you'll save a lot of cash in the end. You will need your vehicle's VIN number to order an additional copy. You can find this number on your insurance policy or the sticker on the jamb of the driver's door.

You'll need to bring an original copy of the key along with you. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you're unable to find your old key, then try looking in the trunk or other places where it might be hidden. You can also look in your pockets and bags. You don't know if you put your keys somewhere, or if they fell out of your bag while reaching for something other.

If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should immediately start looking for them. First, motor ensure that you didn't leave them at home or at the office. Then, carefully review your day to see the possibility of having lost them. After you've inspected your bags and emptied your pockets, it's time to use advanced search techniques.