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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new. Nowadays it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting. It is more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer. Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater 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 does not work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are usually only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features. vehicle key replacement that feature a “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car dealerships. It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.