How to Replace a Lost Car Key

It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys. Most of the time, the best place to start is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. They will require proof of ownership and the old key in order to create a new one.

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

Traditional Keys

Traditional metal car keys were once the most common kind of car key. They have grooves on both sides which fit into a set of slots inside the ignition. The key is then placed into the cylinder of ignition and turned to turn off the car. It is cheaper to replace a traditional ignition key than other kinds.

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

If you have a recent car, it's likely that you have a transponder keys. They cost more to replace but they are also more secure against theft. The head of the plastic transponder key is equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system of your car to ensure that it is only initiated with the correct key.

The chips in modern transponder keys are generally programmed with a specific code when the car is sold for the first time. Some use 'rolling codes' which send an individual code each time it is used, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate them. If you have a modern car with a transponder key it is recommended to keep it in a safe location.

Transponder keys last longer than traditional metal keys, however they are more expensive to replace in the event of the loss. You'll have to contact your dealer for an alternative transponder key in the event that you lose one. You'll need to supply your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer which car it's compatible with.

You'll also have to provide the serial number of the car. The serial number is usually found on a sticker in the driver's door or an owner's manual. These numbers are crucial because they can aid in locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen or lost a car key.

Transponder Keys

Your car key may have transponders if your vehicle was manufactured in the last 20 years. These small pieces of technology are programmed to your particular vehicle so that only the owner can start it. Your transmission will lock your car when it determines that the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the car.

These keys are excellent for your car since they deter car theft. Historically, car thieves could just touch two wires together and use them to start the car, in a process known as hot wiring. When cars began to use transponder chip technology making it more difficult to steal a car as the burglar needed the right key in order to transmit the signal needed to start the car.

If you've got traditional car keys and have lost my only car key it, you can get a new one cut on the spot by a locksmith local to you. The old key will be removed from the system of your vehicle. If you have an transponder key or fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to replace it. The dealer will need your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to order the right key for your vehicle.

They must ensure that the key they order for you is compatible with your car to be capable of starting it up and unlock its doors. You'll also have to show proof of ownership, like your registration or title in order to receive the replacement key from the dealer. This can make this type of replacement slightly more expensive however in the long run it is worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could have been stolen. If you're worried about the cost, make sure to check whether your insurance or warranty will cover the cost. If not, you'll have to bring your car to a dealer to have it towed. You can also purchase the key from the manufacturer.

Fob Keys

The latest kind of car key is designed to function as an electronic remote, broken allowing motorists to open doors and start engines without the need to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These keys are also referred to as keys that do not require keyless entry or remote control keys and are usually cheaper to replace than older, more traditional varieties. However, as with any other piece of technology used in the modern world, they are not indestructible. They're also easy to misplace and stop working over time as they are lost in your pocket or purse.

Fobs emit an electronic code that allows the driver to open and start the vehicle. When the fob is tapped on the car's sensor it reads the code and the doors will open and the engine is started. Certain fobs include additional features, such as a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).

If you have lost your key fob, broken ensure that your keys aren't in bags or purses that is secured. If they aren't there you should go through your daily routine to determine where you might have lost the keys. You can also look in your pockets, bags you might have or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You may be able to find 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 replacement key fobs on the internet, but they need to be programmed to match your vehicle. Some, like those used by Audi and Subaru need a trip to the dealership for them to be reprogrammed according to match your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance organizations like AAA can often help with this, too.

If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some stores will cut and program a fob bought elsewhere at a lower cost than they charge to perform the same job at the dealer. Some key fobs can be replaced with just the outer shell, leaving the electronics in good order. Check your car-insurance policy or auto club membership to determine if you have any insurance that covers this.

Chipped Keys

Over the years, cars have become more and more technologically advanced. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. In contrast to traditional keys, which could be copied at the locksmith, modern keys require a specially-designed machine to duplicate. This means it will be more expensive to replace lost car keys if they are equipped with a chip inside the key.

You will need to contact your local dealer if you lose or lose your vehicle. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and can pair a new chip with your vehicle with no hassle. The process may take a few extra days due to the dealer having to order the key directly from the manufacturer.

A professional locksmith can create a duplicate of the transponder key. The process is a bit more complex than taking your car to the dealership, but it will save you a significant amount of money in the long run. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to get an additional copy. The VIN number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the driver's side of the door jamb.

You'll also need an exact duplicate of your old key to bring to the locksmith. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you can't locate the key you used to have, try searching in the trunk or in 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 trying to find something other.

If you're unable to locate your car keys, you must immediately begin searching for them. To begin with, check to make sure that you didn't leave them at home or at the office. Then, take a careful look through your day to see whether you've lost them. After you've checked your bags and emptied your pockets, it's time to use advanced search techniques.