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How to Replace a Lost Car Key Losing your car keys could be a big problem. Calling your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best method to start. To make a new key, they will need proof of ownership along with the old one. This is not always the most cost-effective option to travel. Traditional Keys Traditional car keys made of steel were once the most popular kind of car key. They have grooves that fit into slots within the ignition. The key is then placed into the ignition and turned to start the car. It is less expensive to replace a traditional key than other types. You can have a traditional key made by an automotive locksmith while you wait. The locksmith will require the year, model, and make of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership to verify your rights to purchase keys. If you own a more recent car, it's likely that you have a transponder keys. These are a bit more expensive to replace than conventional keys, however they are more secure against theft. The head of the plastic transponder keys has an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system in your car to ensure that it is only started by the right key. The chips inside modern transponder keys are typically programmed with a particular code when the car is sold for the first time. Some of them use “rolling codes” that transmit a different code every time it's used, making it hard for thieves to duplicate the key. If you own a modern vehicle that has a transponder keys it is recommended to keep it in a safe place. Transponder keys last longer than standard metal ones, but are more costly to replace in the event of a loss. You'll need to contact your dealer to get a replacement transponder key if you lose one. You'll need to provide your VIN, a 17-digit number that informs the dealer about the vehicle it is compatible with. You'll also need to provide the serial number of your car. This number can be found on a sticker in the driver's door or on a card in the owner's manual. It's important to have these numbers handy because they will help you locate your car in the event that it's lost or stolen. Transponder Keys If you own a car made in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your car's key has a transponder chip. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed specifically for the specific vehicle, ensuring only you are able to start it. To make sure that the correct key is used to start your car, your transmission will stop in the event that it finds that the code in your key does not match its code. These keys are an excellent feature for your vehicle as they deter theft of cars. In the past, thieves of cars were able to simply touch two wires together and use them to start your car in the process called hot wiring. When cars began to use transponder chip technology and transponder chips, it became much more difficult to steal a car as the burglar required a key that was the right one to send a signal to start the car. If you've got a traditional car key and you lose it, you can get a new one cut on the spot by a locksmith in your area. The old key will be deleted from the system of your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have a transponder or fob key, you will have to visit the dealership to have it replaced. This is because the dealer must know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in order to order the correct key for your specific vehicle. This is because they will have to make sure that the key they're requesting for you is paired with your vehicle in order to begin it and open your doors. To get the replacement key, you will need to show proof of ownership such as your registration or title. This may make this type of replacement a little more expensive but 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 expense, you should check if your warranty or insurance will cover the cost. If it isn't it is likely that you will need to bring your vehicle to the dealer to have it towed there and then order it from the manufacturer. Fob Keys The most recent kind of car key is designed to work like remotes, allowing drivers to open doors and start engines without needing to insert traditional keys into the ignition. These fobs are also known as keys that do not require keyless entry or remote control keys and are generally less expensive to replace than older, more traditional varieties. They're not impervious to damage however, neither are other consumer electronics. They're also easy for people to lose and they can cease to function over time as they get jostled around in your purse or pocket. Fobs emit an electronic code that allows the driver to unlock and start the car. When a sensor is tapped inside the car, it reads the code and enables the doors to open and the engine to start. 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 in the bag or purse that is locked. Then, if they are not there, go through your day and find where you may have lost them. Check your pockets, in the bags you carried in your bag, and on counters or other surfaces. You may be able find your keys in the place they were left or even briefly put them where you were going to get something. You can buy replacement key fobs on the internet, but they must be programmed to match your vehicle. Certain key fobs, such as those used by Audi or Subaru require to be programmed by a dealership. lost the keys to my car is that roadside assistance organizations like AAA will often assist in this regard, too. If you do decide to purchase a new key fob, comparison shop. Some retailers will cut and program a fob purchased elsewhere at a lower cost than they charge to perform the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace 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 see if this is covered. Chipped Keys In the past few years, automobiles have become more and more technologically advanced. This has resulted in more sophisticated keys. Contrary to traditional keys that could be copied at a locksmith, these newer keys for cars require a specific machine to duplicate. This means it could be a bit more costly to replace lost car keys if they are equipped with a chip inside them. You will need to contact your local dealer should you lose your vehicle or lose your vehicle. They can do this because they keep a record of your security details and can match the new chip to your vehicle without hassle. The process could take a few extra days because the dealer has to obtain the key directly from the manufacturer. The good news is that it is possible to get a duplicate of your transponder chip key by an expert locksmith. The process is more complex than taking your car to the dealership however it will save you a significant amount of cash in the long run. To obtain an additional key, you will need the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is located on your insurance policy or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. You will need to bring a copy of the old key along. 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. Check your pockets and bags. You never know where you left your keys or if they fell out of your bag while you were searching for something else. If you're unable to locate your car keys, you must immediately begin searching for them. First, make sure that you didn't leave keys at home or at the office. After that, take a look over your day to determine if they could be missing. After you've cleaned all your pockets and inspected all of your bags, it is time to begin using more advanced search techniques.