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How to Replace a Lost Car Key The loss of your car keys can be a big trouble. Calling your local dealer or locksmith is usually the best option to start. They will need to see proof of ownership as well as the key from before in order to make a new one. This is not always the most cost-effective option to travel. Traditional Keys Car keys made of metal were once the most commonly used. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key is then inserted into the cylinder for ignition and then 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 need the year, model, and make of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need to present proof of ownership to verify that you're authorized to purchase a new key. If you have a more recent vehicle, it's likely to have a transponder keys. They cost more to replace but they are also more secure from theft. The plastic head of the transponder key has an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system inside your car to ensure that it can only be started with the appropriate key. The chips in modern transponder keys are generally programmed with a particular code when the car is first sold. Some of them use rolling codes that send a different code every time it's used, making it very difficult for thieves to duplicate the key. If you own a contemporary vehicle with a transponder key it is recommended to keep it in a secure place. Transponder keys have a longer lifespan than traditional metal keys, but they are more expensive to replace if you lose them. If you lose a transponder lock then you'll have to contact the dealer to request an alternative one. You'll need to supply your VIN which is a 17-digit number that informs the dealer of the vehicle it's compatible with. You'll also have to provide the serial number of your vehicle. This number can be found on a sticker on the driver's side door or a card in your owner's manual. These numbers are crucial because they can help you find your vehicle in the event it is stolen or lost. Transponder Keys If you own a car built in the last 20 years or so it is likely that your key has transponder chips. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed specifically for your particular car, meaning only you are able to start it. relevant web page will be locked on your car if it detects the key doesn't match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the car. They are a fantastic feature for your car as they discourage car theft. Hot wiring is a method that thieves have employed to get cars started. When cars started using transponder chip technology making it more difficult to steal a car as the burglar required the correct key to send the signal to start the car. Fortunately, if you own a traditional key and you lose it, a locksmith local to you will cut you a new one right away and delete your old one from the system. If you own a transponder key or a fob, you'll need visit the dealership to purchase a new one. This is because the dealer will need to know your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in order to order the correct key for your specific vehicle. This is because they have to make sure that the key that they are ordering for you is compatible with your specific vehicle in order to begin it and open your doors. To get an alternative key, you will need to provide proof of ownership, such as your registration or title. This type of replacement can be a little more expensive, but it's worth it if you consider the possibility that your car key was stolen. If you're concerned about the cost, make sure to 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 dealership in order to be towed and ordered from the manufacturer. Fob Keys The newest type of car keys are designed to function like remotes, letting drivers open the doors and start the engine without having to insert an ordinary key into the ignition. These keys, also known as keyless entry or remote control keys, are usually cheaper to replace than the older traditional versions. They are not indestructible however, neither are other electronic devices used by consumers. They're also easy for people to lose and they can cease to function in time when they are lost in your purse or pocket. Fobs emit a digital code that allows drivers to open and start their vehicle. When a sensor is tapped inside the vehicle, it detects that code and allows the doors to open and the engine to start. Some fobs come with additional features, such as an option to summon the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature). If you lose a key fob, the first thing to do is ensure that your keys aren't in a locked bag or purse. Then, if they are not there, go through your day and see where you might have lost them. Look in your pockets, in any bags that you had with you, and on countertops or other surfaces. You might be able to locate your keys in the place they were left or even briefly put them where you were going to purchase something. You can buy key fobs replacements on the internet, however they must be programmed to match your vehicle. Certain key fobs, such as those used by Audi or Subaru require to be programmed at the dealership. The good news is that roadside assistance companies such as AAA can help 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 if they did exactly the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shell of certain fobs with keys with the electronics in good working order. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to see if this is covered. Keys that are chipped Keys Cars have become more technologically advanced over the years, which has lead to more sophisticated keys for cars. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a special machine. It is more expensive to replace keys that are lost in the car with a chip. If you lose your transponder chip or it is stolen from you, you'll need to call the local dealership to request an alternative. This is because they keep a record of the security information in their system and can pair an updated chip with your vehicle without much hassle. The process could take a few extra days because the dealer has to order the key directly from the manufacturer. The good news is that it's possible to have a duplicate made for your transponder chip by a professional locksmith. It's a bit more complicated than taking your car to a dealer, but you will save money in the end. In order to get a duplicate key you will require the VIN number of your vehicle. This number can be found on your insurance policy, or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. You'll need to bring a copy of the old key along with you. The locksmith will then be able to match the key cuts. If you are unable to find your old key, then try looking in the trunk and other places where it might be hidden. You can also check your bags and pockets. You never know if you set your keys down somewhere or if you accidentally knocked them out of your bag when you were reaching for something else. If you are unable to locate your car keys, then you must immediately begin searching for them. First, ensure that you didn't leave keys at home or in the office. Then, take a careful look through your day to determine the possibility of having lost them. Once you've cleared all your pockets and checked all of your bags, it is time to begin using more sophisticated search methods.