How to Replace a Lost Car Key

The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle. Contacting your local dealer locksmith is typically the best way to start. To make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership along with the old one.

However, this isn't always the most economical option.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys made of metal were the first type of vehicle key. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key is then put into the ignition and turned to get your car started. If you have lost a traditional key it can cost less than other types of keys to replace them.

You can get a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you are waiting. The locksmith will require the model, make and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership in order to confirm your right to purchase a key.

If you have a recent vehicle, it's likely to have a transponder key. These are a bit more expensive to replace than conventional keys, but they're more safe from theft. The plastic head of a transponder key contains an electronic chip that communicates with your car's computer system, locksmith prices for lost car Keys ensuring that only the right key is able to start it.

When the car is sold, the transponder keys' chips will be programmed with a specific code. Some of them use rolling codes that send an entirely different code each time it is used, making it hard for thieves to duplicate them. If you own a contemporary vehicle with a transponder key that you keep, make sure to keep it in a safe place.

Transponder keys last longer than conventional metal keys, however they are more costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss. If you lose a transponder key then you'll have to contact the dealer to request a new one. You'll have to provide your VIN (a 17-digit number) which will tell the dealer what car it is compatible with.

You'll also need to provide the serial number of your car. The serial number is located on a sticker placed on the driver's side door, or the owner's manual. These numbers are crucial as they can help you find your car in the event it is stolen or lost.

Transponder Keys

Your car key may have transponders if your vehicle was manufactured in the past 20 years. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed to your particular car, meaning only you are able to start it. To make sure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will stop if it detects that the code on your key does not match its code.

They are a fantastic feature for your car because they deter theft of cars. 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. However, when cars began using transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal them as the criminal must possess the correct key to transmit the signal needed to start your vehicle.

Luckily, if you have traditional keys and lose it, a locksmith prices for lost car keys local to you can cut you a brand new one on the spot and erase the old one from your car's system. If you have an transponder key or fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to purchase a new one. The dealer will need 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 are ordering for you is paired with your particular vehicle to be able to start it and open your doors. You will also need to show proof of ownership, like your registration or title, in order to obtain a replacement key from the dealer. This can make this type of replacement a little more expensive but in the long run it's worth it when you consider that your vehicle's key could be stolen. If you're concerned about the cost of replacing your lost car key, you should whether it is covered by your warranty or car insurance. If not, you'll need to take your car to the dealer to have it towed and purchase the key from the manufacturer.

Fob Keys

The most recent type of car keys are designed to act like remotes, letting drivers open the doors and start the engine without having to insert an ordinary key into the ignition. These keys are also referred to as keyless entry keys or remote control keys and are typically less expensive to replace than older, more traditional models. They are not indestructible however, neither are other electronic devices used by consumers. They are also easy to lose and can stop working when they are moved around in your pocket or bag.

Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to unlock and start the vehicle. When the fob is placed on a sensor in the car the code is read and the doors open and the engine is started. Some fobs come with additional features such as an option to summon the car (similar in function to the Tesla summon feature).

If you lose your key fob, ensure that your keys aren't locked in a purse or bag that is locked. If they're not you should go through your day to find the places you could have lost them. Examine your pockets, in the bags you carried with you, and on counters or other surfaces. You may be able find your keys where they were left or even briefly put them where you were going to get something.

You can purchase replacement key fobs on the internet, however they must be programmed to match your vehicle. Some, such as the ones used by Audi and Subaru, require an appointment with a dealer to have them reprogrammed to match your specific key. The good news is that roadside assistance companies like AAA can assist you with this.

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 than they would if they did similar things at the dealer. Certain key fobs may be replaced with just the outer shell leaving the electronics in good in good working order. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to see if this is covered.

Chipped Keys

As time has passed, cars have become increasingly advanced in terms of technology. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. These newer keys cannot be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a specific machine. This means it could be a bit more costly 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, then you'll need to contact the local dealer to obtain an alternative. They can do this since they have an archive of your security details and can pair the new chip with your car without much hassle. The process can take a few days, however, because the dealer will need to purchase the key from the manufacturer, and it will likely take some time to get it.

The good news is that it's possible to have a duplicate made for your transponder chip key by a professional locksmith. The process is more complex than going to the dealership but it can save you lots 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 need an original copy of the key along. The locksmith will then match the key cuts. If you are unable to find the old key, look in the trunk and other places where it might be hidden. Take a look in your bags and pockets. You don't know if your set your keys in a place or if you knocked them out of your bag while reaching for something else.

You should immediately begin looking for your car keys if they aren't there. locate them. Start by checking to make sure that you haven't left them at home or at the office. Next, carefully review your day to determine if they may be lost. Once you've cleared all your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it is time to begin using more sophisticated search methods.