How to Get a Replacement Car Key

No matter how carefully you handle your belongings, it’s still possible for you to misplace your car’s key. Dealing with this kind of situation is undoubtedly difficult, particularly if you are unsure of how to obtain a new key.

What Type of Car Key Should I Be Looking For?

Before everything else, the first thing you should check is what type of key your car has. This will help you decide which replacement option is best for you.

Mechanical or Basic Key

This refers to the classic key used in older vehicles. You can lock or unlock your vehicle through a key cylinder. This type of key usually does not have a chip. It looks like any other basic key, and it’s inexpensive to replace.

If by some remote chance you still have the paperwork that came with your vehicle, you might find the key code that a locksmith can use to make a key to fit your lock cylinder. You can also buy a replacement lock cylinder, but in many cases the steering wheel or part of the dash will need to be removed to replace the ignition lock. The door lock cylinder usually requires removal of the door panel.

If by some remote chance you still have the paperwork that came with your vehicle, you might find the key code that a locksmith can use to make a key to fit your lock cylinder.

– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Transponder Key

This type looks similar to the basic key but has a shell or head embedded with a computer chip. The chip sends a signal to the vehicle so that it can start. European cars began having this kind of system in 1993 and it reduced car theft by 70%. This kind of passive anti-theft appeared on a few American domestic cars beginning in 1996. Today, just about every car has some kind of passive anti-theft system of this sort. On this type of key, the system will need to be programmed to recognize the key and any lost keys will need to be erased from the system.

GM “Passlock” (‘90s)

The GM Passlock system went through several design changes. There are a few different values for the resistor pellet, which closes a circuit to the module, allowing the vehicle to start. Later GM systems had transponder keys. The problem with this type of Passlock system is that the contacts in the key wear out over time so that the module can’t read the resistor pellet. This requires ignition lock cylinder replacement. Special procedures are necessary to teach the module to recognize a new key.

“Switchblade” Key with Integral Fob 

This type of key looks like a handheld remote device. In the past, fobs came separate from the car key itself. But as vehicle key technology developed, the key fob was combined with the key in a design called “switchblade.” With this type of key, you can unlock the vehicle using a spring-loaded key that folds into the fob.

This type of key requires special machining that can only be done by the manufacturer in most cases. The transponder chip and the door lock fob are both contained in this type of key, which first appeared on some German vehicles but is fairly common on vehicles that have an insertable key.

These are usually expensive to replace. They also require programming of the fob as well as the training of the anti-theft system when the key is replaced.

Smart Key

This device is used in vehicles with a keyless ignition and operates via a proximity sensor that can detect when it is near your car. It then unlocks the vehicle, and you just conveniently enter and start your car with just a push of a button. 

What Are Your Options for a Key Replacement?

You can either contact your dealer, hire a locksmith, or buy an aftermarket replacement yourself. However, you’ll have to consider the type of key that your vehicle has. For example, if your car is equipped with a smart key, the best option is to get a replacement from the dealer. 

Let’s discuss each option in detail:

Contact Your Dealer

If your vehicle was built within the last five years, you should get a replacement key from your local dealer. Although it can be costly, ordering a new key from your dealer is a safe option. You can be confident that the replacement key will match your vehicle. Modern vehicles are usually equipped with key fobs that have complex programming, so it’s best to have them calibrated by professionals.

Contact a Locksmith

If you own an older vehicle that was manufactured more than ten years ago, you have the option to contact a local locksmith. This option usually works for keys that have no chips. Before contacting a locksmith, make sure you have your vehicle registration with you. You can also be asked to show your vehicle’s title, your vehicle identification number, or any proof that you own the vehicle.

Aftermarket Replacement Car Keys

You also have the option to get an aftermarket key and have it programmed by a trusted mechanic or locksmith. These come with detailed setup instructions, so DIY-ers can also do the programming themselves. If you’re unsure about anything, hire a professional to do it for you.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Car Key?

The exact cost of a key replacement for cars will depend on the specific vehicle that you own and the type of key you need. A basic key fob costs anywhere between $25 and $450. With a smart key with complex programming, you might shell out more than $800 to replace your car key.

How to Avoid Misplacing Your Car Keys

Replacing your key simply because you misplaced it can be upsetting. Here are some tips to avoid misplacing or losing your car keys:

Attach a Tracking Device to Your Keys

One of the easiest ways to keep track of your car keys is to attach a small tracking device like an AirTag or Tile to your keychain. This will allow you to track the location of your keys via an app that you can download on your phone.

Put Your Keys in the Same Spot

You don’t always need the help of technology to keep track of your belongings. Sometimes, all you have to do is put them in the same location every time you enter your home or office. Making a key holder to hang by the door or a key bowl on a nearby table is a quick and easy way to ensure you never lose your key.

Get a Key Ring and Declutter

Getting a key ring (if you don’t already have one) is a simple yet effective way to keep your car key safe. It will help you locate your key, especially if the area where you left it is cluttered. Decluttering your home or office space is another simple way to avoid losing your car key.

You don’t have to panic all because of a lost or damaged car key. As long as you know who to contact and what to do, getting a replacement key won’t be as hard as many think it is.

Where to Get a Replacement Car Key Fob

If your daily driver is accessible via a key fob, you know it makes getting in and out of your car a breeze — at least, until it turns faulty or you misplace it. Fortunately, you can find and order replacement car key fobs for your ride in no time when you shop online at CarParts.com. 

Our key fobs are available at competitive prices, with some going for as low as $30 and others reaching north of $200. Different price points mean different fits and features. That means you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget.

To start shopping, simply fill out our vehicle selector and adjust the search filters based on your needs. We have strategically located warehouses across the country to guarantee fast and reliable shipping. Place your order today, and get it in as fast as two business days.

Order a replacement key fob at CarParts.com today!