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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement. Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for a car , as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait. It can be more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket 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. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. Key blades feature two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience. If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car 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 people like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.