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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 get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new. These days it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. car key replacement of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting. It's more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer. 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 specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. 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 it easier in the event of need. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort. If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships. It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys 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 special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.