How to Replace a Lost Car Key

It can be a real problem to lose your car keys. The best way to begin is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. To make a replacement key, they will need proof of ownership along with the old one.

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

Traditional Keys

Traditional metal car keys were once the most popular kind of car key. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key is placed into the cylinder of ignition and turned to turn off the car. If you lose a traditional key, it will cost less than other keys to get a replacement.

You can have a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you wait. The locksmith will need the year, model, and make of your vehicle. The locksmith may also require to see proof of ownership to confirm that you're legally able to purchase a brand new key.

If you own a more recent vehicle, you probably have a transponder key. They're a bit more costly to replace than traditional keys, but they're more safe from theft. The plastic head of the transponder keys has an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system in your car to ensure that it is only started with the appropriate key.

The chips that are used in modern transponder keys are usually programmed with a specific code when the car is sold for the first time. Some of them use "rolling codes" that transmit a different code every time it is used, replacement making it hard for thieves to duplicate the key. It is recommended to keep your transponder keys in a secured place if you have a modern vehicle with one.

Transponder keys last longer than standard metal ones, but are more costly to replace in the case of an eventual loss. If you lose a transponder key then you'll have to contact the dealer to get the replacement. You'll need to provide your VIN which is a 17-digit number that informs the dealer of the vehicle it's compatible with.

You'll also need to provide your car's serial number. The serial number is usually found on a sticker that is placed on the door of the driver or on the owner's manual. It is important to keep these numbers handy as they can help you locate your car if it gets stolen or lost.

Transponder Keys

Your key may contain an electronic transponder if the car was built within the past 20 years. These tiny bits of technology are programmed to the specific vehicle so that only the owner of the vehicle can start it. To ensure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will stop in the event that it finds that the code on your key is not compatible with its code.

These keys are a great feature for your vehicle as they deter theft of cars. Historically, car thieves could just touch two wires together and use them to start the car, in a process called hot wiring. When cars started using transponder chip technology making it more difficult to steal the car since the criminal required the correct key to transmit the signal needed to start the car.

Luckily, if you have an old-fashioned key and lose it, a local locksmith will cut you a new one on the spot and erase the old one from your car's system. On the other the other hand, if your car has an electronic transponder or fob key, you will be required to visit the dealer to have it replaced. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to order the right key for your vehicle.

This is because they have to make sure that the key that they're requesting for replacement you is compatible with your particular vehicle in order to start it and open your doors. You will also need to provide proof of ownership, like your registration or title in order to get the replacement key from the dealership. This may make this type of replacement slightly more expensive however in the long run it's worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could have been stolen. If you're worried about the cost of replacing your car key, you should determine if it's covered under your warranty or car insurance. If not, you'll have to take your vehicle to the dealer to have it towed and purchase the key from the manufacturer.

Fob Keys

The newest type of car keys are designed to work as remotes, allowing motorists to open the doors and start the engine without having to insert a traditional key into the ignition. These keys are also referred to as keys that do not require keyless entry or remote control keys. They are usually cheaper to replace than older, more traditional models. They are not indestructible, but neither are any other electronic gadgets for consumers. They are also easily lost and stop working when they are moved around in your bag or pocket.

Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to open and start the car. When a sensor is tapped inside the vehicle, it detects that code and causes the doors to open and the engine to begin. Certain fobs come with additional features, like a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).

If you lose your key fob ensure that your keys aren't in bags or purses that is secured. If they're not and you don't have them, then look through your day to find where you might have lost key replacement them. Check your pockets, in the bags you carried with you, and on countertops or other surfaces. You may be able locate your keys in a place that you dropped them in or put them down briefly when you went to get something.

You can buy replacement key fobs on the internet, but they have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some, such as the ones used by Audi and Subaru will require a trip to the dealership for them to be reprogrammed according to match your specific key. Good news! Roadside assistance companies such as AAA can assist you with this.

If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will program and cut a fob bought elsewhere for less money than they would for the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shell of certain fobs that are key, leaving the electronics inside in working condition. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to determine if this is covered.

Keys with chips Keys

Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced over time, which has lead to more sophisticated car keys. These newer keys cannot be duplicated by a locksmith. They require a special machine. It can be more expensive to replace a lost car key with a chip.

If you lose your transponder chip key or it is stolen from you, you will need to contact the local dealer to obtain a replacement. They can do this because they keep a record of your security details and can match the new chip with your car without much hassle. The process may take a few more days due to the dealer having to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer.

The good thing is that it's possible to have a duplicate of your transponder chip by an experienced locksmith. It is a little more complicated than taking your car to a dealership however you'll save money in the end. You'll need your car's VIN number to request an exact duplicate. This number can be found on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb.

You will also need an exact copy of your old key that you can bring to the locksmith. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you are unable to find your old key, then check the trunk or other places where it might be hidden. You can also search your pockets and bags. You never know where you put your keys, or the possibility that they fell out of your bag while you were reaching for something else.

You should immediately begin looking for your car keys if you cannot locate them. First, you must check to make sure that you didn't leave them at home or at the office. After that, take a look over your day to determine if they could have been misplaced. After you've inspected your bags and cleaned out your pockets It's time to employ more sophisticated search techniques.