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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss. This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. However as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they wait. Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use. If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with keys that don'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. To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key. Unlike remote control car key replacement that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine – some are able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the information for your vehicle including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Read the Full Post can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.