How to Replace a Lost Car Key

Losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. Most of the time, the best place to start is by calling your local locksmith or dealer. To make a new key, they will need proof of ownership and 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 lost. They have grooves on both sides which fit into a set of slots in the ignition. The key is then inserted into the cylinder of ignition and turned to start the car. If you lose a traditional ignition key, it can cost less than other types of keys to obtain a replacement.

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

Transponder keys are more common in newer vehicles. They cost more to replace however, they are more secure from theft. The plastic head of the transponder key has an electronic chip that communicates with the computer system in your car to make sure that it can only be activated by the correct key.

When a car is sold, the chips inside transponder keys will be programmed using a code. Some of them employ "rolling codes" that transmit an entirely different code each time they are used, making it hard for thieves to duplicate them. If you have a modern vehicle that has a transponder keys it is recommended to keep it in a safe location.

Transponder keys last longer lifespan than traditional keys, but they're more expensive to replace should you lose them. If you lose a transponder lock you'll need to call the dealer to get a new one. You'll need to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) that tells the dealer which car it's compatible with.

You'll also have to provide your car's serial number. This number can be found on a sticker on the driver's side door, or the owner's manual. These numbers are important because they can assist you in finding your vehicle in the event it is stolen or lost.

Transponder Keys

Your key could contain transponders if your vehicle was built within the past 20 years. These tiny bits of technology are programmed to your particular car, meaning only you can use it. The transmission will lock your vehicle if it senses the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner can start the car.

These keys are ideal for your car since they deter car theft. In the past, thieves of cars could simply connect two wires together and use them to start your car in an operation known as hot wiring. When cars started using transponder chips making it more difficult to steal the car as the burglar required a key that was the right one in order to send the signal to start the vehicle.

If you have a traditional key and you lose it, a locksmith in your area can cut you a new one on the spot and remove the old one from your car's system. On the other hand, if you have an electronic transponder or fob key, then you will need to go to the dealership to get it replaced. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to purchase the correct key for your vehicle.

This is because they will need to ensure that the key that they're requesting for you is paired with your particular vehicle in order to start it and open your doors. You'll also need to provide evidence of ownership such as your registration or title to obtain a replacement key from the dealership. This can make this type of replacement a bit more expensive however in the long run it's worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could be stolen. If you're worried about the cost, make sure to check if your warranty or insurance will cover it. If not it is likely that you will require bringing your vehicle to the dealership in order to be towed and then purchase it from the manufacturer.

Fob Keys

The latest type of car keys are designed to function like remotes, letting drivers open the doors and start the engine without needing to insert traditional keys into the ignition. They are also referred to as keyless entry or remote control keys, are generally less expensive to replace than older traditional versions. But, like all pieces of consumer technology, they are not indestructible. They are also susceptible to theft and cease to function as they move around in your bag or pocket.

Fobs emit an electronic code that allows the driver to open and start the car. When tapped against a sensor inside the car, it reads the code and allows the doors to open and the engine to begin. Some fobs also have additional features, such as a button that calls the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature).

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

You can buy key fobs replacements on the internet, however they need to be programmed to your specific vehicle. Certain keys, like those used by Audi and Subaru, require visiting a dealership for them to be reprogrammed according to your specific key. The good news is that 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 cut and program a fob that was purchased elsewhere for less than what they charge to do the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace the outer shell of certain key fobs, leaving the electronics inside in good working order. Examine your car insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you have any coverage that covers this.

Keys with chips Keys

Cars have gotten more and more technologically advanced over the years which has resulted in more sophisticated keys for cars. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a specific machine. This means it will be a bit more expensive to replace lost car keys if they are equipped with a chip inside the key.

If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, you'll need to contact the local dealership to get an alternative. This is because they keep a record of security information in their system and are able to pair an updated chip with your vehicle without much hassle. The process may take a few more days as the dealer needs to purchase the key directly from the manufacturer.

A professional locksmith can create a duplicate of your transponder key. The process is more complicated than simply taking your car to the dealer, but it will save you a significant amount of cash in the long run. You will need your vehicle's VIN number to order 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 require an original copy 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 your old key, then try looking in the trunk or other places where it could be hidden. Take a look in your bags and pockets. You don't know where you hid your keys or when they were taken out of your bag as you were reaching for something else.

You must immediately begin searching for your car keys if you are unable to locate them. First, you must check to make sure that you haven't left them at home or Replace a Lost Car Key at the office. Then, carefully go through your day to determine whether you've lost them. Once you've emptied all of your pockets and checked all of your bags, it is time to move on to more advanced search methods.