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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. But, if the fob is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. replacement car key fobs stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss. This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait. Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience. It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality. Fobs with a “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type. These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could result in the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships. For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.