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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement. Today it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them. This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past lost car keys was a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting. It is more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that have a “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. auto key replacement have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. content of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and type of key. These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.