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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs associated with. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. But, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait. It can be more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves. They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and convenience. It is crucial that the company cutting the keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once car replacement key have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine – some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available in car dealerships. For this reason, it is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.