How to Replace a Lost Car Key

The loss of your car keys can be a major problem. Calling your local dealer or locksmith is typically the best option to start. To make a replacement key, they will need proof of ownership as well as the old one.

However, this isn't always the cheapest option.

Traditional Keys

Metal car keys were the most common. They have grooves on both sides which fit into a set of slots inside the ignition. The key is inserted into the cylinder of ignition and turned to start the car. If you have lost a traditional key it will cost less than other types of keys to get a replacement.

You can call an automotive locksmith to have a brand new traditional key made while you wait. They will need to know the make and model of your car along with the year it was manufactured. The locksmith may also require proof of ownership in order to confirm your right to purchase keys.

Transponder keys are increasingly used in vehicles that are newer. These are a bit more expensive to replace than traditional keys, however they are more secure from theft. The head of a transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with your car's computer system to make sure that only the right key can be used to start the car.

The chips that are used in modern transponder keys are usually programmed with a particular code when the car is first sold. Some use rolling codes, which transmit a new code each time the key is used. This makes it harder for thieves to duplicate them. If you own a modern vehicle that has a transponder keys, you should always keep it in a safe location.

Transponder keys last longer life than traditional metal keys, but they're more expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. You'll need to call your dealer to request an alternate transponder key should you lose one. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) which tells the dealer what vehicle it is compatible with.

You'll also need to provide the serial number of the car. The serial number is usually found on a sticker that is placed on the driver's door or on a card in the owner's manual. These numbers are crucial because they can assist you in finding your vehicle in the event it is stolen or lost my keys.

Transponder Keys

Your car key may have an electronic transponder if the car was manufactured within the past 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed specifically for the specific vehicle, ensuring only you can use it. Your transmission will be locked on your car if it detects the key isn't matching the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the car.

These keys are an excellent feature for your car as they can deter theft from cars. Hot wiring is a method that thieves have used to start cars. When cars started using transponder chip technology and transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal the car since the criminal required the correct key to send a signal to start the vehicle.

Fortunately, if you own traditional keys and lose it, a local locksmith can cut you a brand new one right away and delete your old one from your vehicle's system. If you own an transponder key or fob, you'll have to go to the dealer to purchase a new one. This is because the dealer will need to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to be able to purchase the correct key for your specific vehicle.

They must make sure that the key they buy for you is compatible with your vehicle to be able to start it and unlock its doors. To obtain a replacement key, you'll need to prove ownership, such as your registration or title. This can make this type of replacement a little more expensive however in the long run it's worth it if you consider that your vehicle's key could be stolen. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key, check to see if it is covered by your warranty or car insurance. If not it is likely that you will require bringing your vehicle to the dealership to have it towed, and then order it from the manufacturer.

Fob Keys

The most recent type of car keys are designed to act as remotes, allowing motorists to open the doors and start the engine without having to insert a traditional key into the ignition. These fobs, also called remote control or keyless entry keys, are typically cheaper to replace than older traditional type of keys. They're not completely safe, but neither are any other consumer electronics. They're also easy to lose and stop working over time as they are moved around in your purse or pocket.

Fobs emit an electronic code that allows drivers to open and start their car. When the fob is placed on an inside sensor the code is read and the doors will open and the engine starts. Some fobs have additional features, like a button that calls the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).

If you lose your key fob make sure that your keys aren't locked in the bag or purse that is locked. If they're not in the bag, go through your day and see the places you might have lost the keys. You can also search in your pockets, any bags you may have or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys where they were left or even briefly put them where you were going to get something.

You can purchase replacement keys on the internet, however they need to be programmed to match your vehicle. Some, like the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require visiting a dealership to get them reprogrammed to match your particular key. The good news is that roadside assistance organizations such as AAA are often able to assist with this, too.

If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program a fob purchased elsewhere for less money than for similar things at the dealer. Some key fobs can be replaced using only the outer shell and leave the electronics in good in good working order. Examine your car insurance policy or auto club membership to find out if you have any coverage that covers this.

Keys that are chipped Keys

In the past few years, automobiles have become more and more technologically advanced. This has led to more sophisticated keys. Unlike traditional keys, which could be copied at a locksmith, the latest keys for cars require a specific machine to duplicate. This means that it can be more expensive to replace lost car keys when they are equipped with a chip inside the keys.

You will need to contact the local dealership in the event that you lose or have it stolen. They can do this because they keep an archive of your security details and can connect the new chip with your vehicle without hassle. The process can take a few days, however, because the dealer will need to obtain the key from the manufacturer, and it could take some time for it to arrive.

The good news is that it is possible to get a duplicate of the transponder chip of your car by an experienced locksmith. It's more complex than taking your car to a dealer however you'll save money in the end. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to get a duplicate. The VIN number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb.

You will also need a copy of your key to bring to the locksmith. This way, the locksmith can match the cuts made by the key. If you cannot find the key you used to have Try searching the trunk or other places. You can also search your bags and pockets. You never know if you set your keys somewhere, or if you knocked them out of your bag when reaching for something other.

You should immediately begin searching for your car keys if you cannot locate them. Start by checking to make sure you did not leave them at home or in the office. Then, carefully go through your entire day to determine the possibility of having lost keys to car no spare them. Once you've cleared all of your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it is time to move on to more advanced search methods.