How to Replace a Lost Car Key

Losing your car keys could be a big hassle. Contacting your local dealer locksmith is usually the best method to start. To create a replacement key, they'll need proof of ownership as well as the original key.

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

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys made of steel were the first kind of car key. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key is then placed into the ignition and turned to start your car. If you have lost a traditional key it is less expensive than other keys to get a replacement.

You can call an auto locksmith to get a new traditional key made while you wait. They'll need your vehicle's make and model and the year it was made. The locksmith might also require to present proof of ownership to prove that you are legally able to purchase a brand new key.

Transponder keys are more prevalent in newer vehicles. They're more expensive to replace, but they are more secure against theft. The plastic head of the transponder key has an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system in your car to make sure that it can only be initiated with the right key.

The chips in modern transponder keys are typically programmed with a particular code when the car is sold for the first time. Some of them use rolling codes which transmit an additional code each time the key is used. This makes it harder for thieves to duplicate the code. If you own a contemporary vehicle with a transponder key that you keep, make sure to keep it in a secure location.

Transponder keys last longer than conventional metal ones, but are more expensive to replace in the case of the loss. You'll need to call your dealer for an alternate transponder key should you lose one. You'll need to provide your VIN 17-digit code that informs the dealer about the vehicle it's compatible with.

You'll also have to provide the serial number of your car. This number is usually found on a sticker on the door to the driver's side or an entry in your owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can help you find your car in the event that it is stolen or lost.

Transponder Keys

Your key could contain a transponder if your car was built within the past 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your specific vehicle so that only the owner of the vehicle can start it. Your transmission will lock your car if it detects the key isn't matching the code. This is to ensure that only the owner has the right to start the car.

They are a fantastic feature for your car because they can deter theft from cars. In the past, thieves of cars could just touch two wires together and use them to start the car, in an operation known as hot wiring. Once cars began using transponder chips making it more difficult to steal a car since the criminal required the correct key to send a signal to start the car.

Fortunately, if you own an old-fashioned key and lose it, a local locksmith can cut you a brand new one on the spot and delete your old one from your vehicle's system. On the other hand, if you have a transponder or fob key, you'll have to visit the dealer to have it replaced. This is because the dealer needs to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to be able to purchase the correct key for your specific vehicle.

This is because they have to make sure that the key they're requesting for you is paired with your vehicle to be able to start it and unlock your doors. You'll also need to provide evidence of ownership such as your registration or title, in order to get the replacement key from the dealership. This could make this kind of replacement a little more expensive but in the end, it's worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could have been stolen. If you're concerned about the cost of replacing your car key, check to determine if it's covered by your car insurance or warranty. If it isn't it is likely that you will require bringing your vehicle to the dealership to be towed and then purchase it from the manufacturer.

Fob Keys

The most modern type of car key is designed to work like remotes, allowing drivers to open doors and start engines without needing to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as keys that do not require keyless entry or remote control keys and are usually less expensive to replace than older, more traditional models. However, as with any other piece of consumer technology, they are not indestructible. They are also susceptible to theft and cease to function as they move around in your pocket or bag.

Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to open and start the vehicle. When the fob is tapped against a sensor in the car the code is read and the doors will open and the engine starts. Some fobs come with additional features like a button that summons the car (similar in function to the Tesla summon feature).

If you have lost your key fob, make sure that your keys aren't in bags or purses that is locked. If they're not there, then go through your day to see where you may have lost them. Look in your pockets, in any bags that you had in your bag, and on countertops or other surfaces. You might be able to find your keys in the place you put them, or where you placed them when you went to get something.

You can buy replacement key fobs on the internet, however they must be programmed to match your vehicle. Some, such as those used by Audi and Subaru need a trip to the dealership to get them reprogrammed to your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance organizations such as AAA will often assist with this, too.

If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program the fob they purchase elsewhere for less money than for doing exactly the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shell of some fobs with keys and leave the electronics inside in good working order. Examine your car insurance policy or auto club membership to find out whether you have coverage that will cover this.

Keys that are chipped Keys

As time has passed, cars have become more and more advanced in terms of technology. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. In contrast to traditional keys, which could be duplicated by a locksmith, the latest keys for cars require a specific machine to duplicate. This means that it can be a bit more costly to replace lost car keys when they're equipped with chips in them.

If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, you'll need to call the local dealership to request an exchange. This is because they keep a record of security information on their system and are able to pair a new chip with your vehicle with no hassle. The process could take a few days however, as the dealer will have to obtain the key from the manufacturer, and it will likely take some time for it to arrive.

The good thing is that it's possible to have a duplicate of the transponder chip of your car by an experienced locksmith. It's more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealer, but you will save money in the end. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to request an exact duplicate. You can find this number on your insurance policy or on the sticker in the door jamb for the driver.

You will also need an original copy of your old key that you can bring to the locksmith. This way the locksmith can match the key cuts. If you cannot find the key you used to have Try searching the trunk or in other places. You can also search your pockets and bags. You never know if you set your keys down somewhere or if you accidentally knocked them out of your bag while you were reaching for something other.

It is imperative to immediately start looking for your car keys if you cannot locate them. First, make sure that you haven't left keys at home or at the office. Next, carefully review your day to determine if they may be lost keys to my car. After you've inspected your bags and cleaned out your pockets then it's time to apply advanced search techniques.