How to Replace a Lost Car Key

The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle. Contacting your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best way to begin. To create a replacement key, they'll require proof of ownership as well as the old one.

This isn't always the most cost-effective method to travel.

Traditional Keys

Metal car keys were the most commonly used. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key is then put into the ignition and turned to start your car. It is less expensive to replace a traditional key compared to other kinds.

You can contact an automotive locksmith to get a new traditional key made while you are waiting. The locksmith will require the make, model and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership to confirm your right to purchase keys.

If you have a more recent vehicle, you probably have a transponder key. They're more expensive to replace, but they are more safe from theft. The head of the plastic transponder key is equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system of your car to make sure that it is only activated by the appropriate key.

When the car is sold, the chips inside transponder keys will be programmed with a specific code. Some of them employ 'rolling codes' which send a different code every time it's used, making it very difficult for thieves to duplicate them. If you have a modern vehicle that has a transponder keys, you should always keep it in a safe place.

Transponder keys last longer than conventional metal keys, however they are more expensive to replace in the event of the loss. You'll need to call your dealer for an alternate transponder key should you lose one. You'll need to supply your VIN which is a 17-digit number that informs the dealer of the vehicle it's compatible with.

You will also need to provide the serial number of your car. This number is located on a sticker that is placed on the driver's door or a card in the owner's manual. These numbers are important because they can assist you in finding your car in the event that it is stolen or lost car key with no spare.

Transponder Keys

Your key could contain transponders if your vehicle was built within the last 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your particular car, so that only its owner can start it. To make sure that the correct key is used to start your car, the transmission will lock in the event that it finds that the code on your key does not match its code.

These keys are great for your car because they stop car theft. Hot wiring is a technique that car thieves have used to start vehicles. Once cars began using transponder chip technology making it more difficult to steal your car since the criminal required the correct key in order to transmit the signal needed to start the car.

If you've got a traditional car key and lose it, you can have a new one cut on the spot by a local locksmith. The old key will be removed from the vehicle's system. On the other hand, if you have a transponder or fob key, then you will be required to visit the dealership to have it replaced. The dealer will need your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to order the right key for your vehicle.

This is because they will have to make sure that the key that they're requesting for you is compatible with your specific vehicle in order to begin it and open your doors. To receive the replacement key, you'll have to show proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This kind of replacement might be more expensive, but it's well worth it if you think about the possibility that your vehicle key was stolen. If you're worried about the cost, make sure to check if your warranty or insurance will cover it. If it isn't, you will probably have to take your car to the dealership in order to have it towed there and then order it from the manufacturer.

Fob Keys

The most modern kind of car key has been designed to function as an electronic remote, allowing motorists to open doors and start engines without having to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These fobs, also called keyless entry or remote control keys, are generally less expensive to replace than the older, traditional variety. However, as with any other piece of consumer technology they're not a guarantee of durability. They're also easy to misplace and they can cease to function over time as they are lost in your pocket or purse.

Fobs emit a code electronic that allows drivers to unlock and start their car. When tapped against a sensor inside the car, it reads the code and enables the doors to open and the engine to begin. Certain fobs have additional features like a button to summon the car (similar in function to the Tesla summon feature).

If you lose your key fob, check to make sure your keys aren't in a purse or bag that is secured. If they're not in the bag, go through your day and find where you may have lost them. Examine your pockets, in bags that you had with you, and on countertops or other surfaces. You may be able locate your keys in the spot that you dropped them in or placed them on the floor briefly when you went to buy something.

You can buy key fobs replacement on the internet, but they must be programmed to work with your particular vehicle. Certain keys, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require an appointment with a dealer for Lost Car Key them to be reprogrammed according to your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance firms like AAA can often help in this regard, too.

If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will program and cut a fob purchased elsewhere for less than they would for the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace the outer shells of some key fobs with the electronics in good working order. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to determine whether you have coverage that covers this.

Chipped Keys

Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced in recent years which has resulted in more sophisticated keys for cars. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a specialized machine. It is more expensive to replace a lost car key with a chip.

If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, then you'll need to call the local dealership to request a replacement. This is because they have a record of your security information and can match the new chip to your vehicle with no hassle. The process may take a couple of days, however, as the dealer will need to obtain the key from the manufacturer, and it may take a bit of time for it to arrive.

The good thing is that it's possible to get a duplicate made for your transponder chip by a professional locksmith. The process is a bit more complicated than simply taking your car to the dealer but it can save you a significant amount of money in the end. You will need your vehicle's VIN number to get an additional copy. You can find this number on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the jamb of the driver's door.

You'll need a copy of the old key along. This way the locksmith will be able to match the cuts made by the key. If you are unable to locate your old key, try searching in the trunk or other places. You can also check your pockets and bags. You don't know where you left your keys or if they fell out of your bag while you were searching for something other.

If you can't find your car keys, you should immediately start looking for them. First, make sure that you haven't left keys at home or in the office. Then, carefully review your entire day to determine if you could have misplaced them. After you've cleaned all your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it is time to move on to more sophisticated search methods.