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How to Replace a Lost Car Key Losing your car keys can be a big trouble. Contacting your local dealer locksmith is typically the best way to start. They will need to see proof of ownership as well as the key from before in order to make a new one. However, this is not always the most cost-effective way to go. Traditional Keys Traditional car keys made of metal were the first type of vehicle key. They have grooves that fit into slots in the ignition. The key is then put into the cylinder of ignition and then turned to start the car. If you lose a traditional key, it is less expensive than other types of keys to replace them. You can call an automotive locksmith to have a brand new traditional key made while you wait. The locksmith will need the make, model and year of your vehicle. The locksmith may also need proof of ownership to verify your rights to purchase keys. Transponder keys are more common in newer vehicles. These are a bit more expensive to replace than conventional keys, but they're more safe from theft. The plastic head of the transponder keys has an electronic chip which communicates with the computer system in your vehicle to ensure that it is only started by the correct key. When the car is sold, the chips in transponder keys will be programmed with a specific code. Some of them use “rolling codes” that transmit an individual code each time they are used, making it hard for thieves to duplicate them. You should always store your transponder keys in a safe location if you own a modern vehicle with one. Transponder keys last longer life than traditional metal keys, but they're more expensive to replace should you lose them. If you lose a transponder key, you'll need to contact the dealer to get the replacement. You'll need to supply your VIN, a 17-digit number that tells the dealer which car it's compatible with. You will also need to provide your car's serial number. This number is usually found on a label on the driver's side door or the owner's manual. It is essential to have these numbers in your car since they can help locate your car in the event that it gets lost or stolen. Transponder Keys If you own a vehicle built in the past 20 years or so, it is likely that your car's key has transponder chips. These tiny pieces of technology are programmed for your particular car, meaning only you are able to start it. Your transmission will lock your vehicle if it senses the key does not match the code. This is to ensure that only the owner is able to start the vehicle. These keys are great for your car since they stop car theft. Traditionally, car thieves were able to simply touch two wires together and use them to start the car, in a process called hot wiring. Once cars began using transponder chips, it became more difficult to steal a car because the thief needed the right key to transmit the signal needed to start the car. If you've got an old-fashioned car key and lose it, you can have a new one cut right on the spot by a locksmith in your area. The old one will be deleted from the vehicle's system. On the other hand, if you have an electronic transponder or fob key, you'll be required to visit the dealership to get it replaced. The dealer will require your VIN (Vehicle ID Number) to purchase the correct key for your vehicle. They will need to ensure that the key they order for you is compatible with your car to be capable of starting it and unlock its 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 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 car key, make sure to determine if it's covered under your car insurance or warranty. If not, you'll have to take your car to the dealer to have it towed. You can also order the key from the manufacturer. Fob Keys The newest type of car keys are designed to act like remotes, letting drivers 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 and are generally less expensive to replace than older, more traditional versions. They're not completely safe however, neither are other electronic gadgets for consumers. They are also susceptible to theft and stop working as they move around in your bag or pocket. Fobs emit an electronic code that enables the driver to open and start the vehicle. When they are pressed against a sensor 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 a button that summons the car (similar to the Tesla summon feature). If you lose your key fob check to make sure your keys aren't locked in the bag or purse that is locked. If they're not there, go through your day and find where you may have lost them. You can also look in your pockets, in any bags you may have had, or on surfaces such as counters and other surfaces. You might be able to find your keys in a spot where you dropped them or placed them on the floor briefly when you went to get something. You can purchase key fobs replacements on the internet, however they need to be programmed for your vehicle. Certain key fobs, such as those used by Audi or Subaru require to be programmed by a dealership. The good news is that roadside assistance companies like AAA can help 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 if they did exactly the same thing at the dealer. It is also possible to replace only the outer shell of some fobs with keys with the electronics in working condition. Check your auto club membership or car insurance policy to see if this is covered. Keys that are chipped Keys As time has passed, cars have become more more technologically advanced. This has led to more sophisticated keys. These keys aren't able to be duplicated by locksmiths. They require a specific machine. lost auto key means that it can be more expensive to replace lost car keys when they have a chip in the key. You'll need to contact the local dealership in the event that you lose or have it stolen. They can do this because they have an archive of your security details and can match the new chip with your car without much hassle. The process can take a few days however, as the dealer must purchase the key from the manufacturer, and it could take some time to get it. The good news is that it's possible to have a duplicate of your transponder chip key by an experienced locksmith. It is a little more difficult than taking your vehicle to a dealer, but you will save money in the end. You'll need your vehicle's VIN number to get an exact duplicate. This number is available on your insurance policy or the sticker on the door jamb for the driver. You will also need a copy of your old key that you can bring to the locksmith. This way the locksmith will be able to match the cuts made by the key. If you can't find the old key, you can look in the trunk or other places where it might be hidden. Check your pockets and bags. You don't know where you left your keys, or if they fell out of your bag when you were reaching for something other. You should immediately begin searching for your car keys if you cannot locate them. To begin with, check to make sure that you haven't left them at home or at the office. Then, take a close look at your day to determine if they might be missing. After you've checked your bags and cleaned out your pockets then it's time to apply more advanced search methods.