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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership. There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of to be reprogrammed. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss. This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a problem. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced, so do 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 vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait. Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. The blades of the key have slits on both sides that allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys available these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience. It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. 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. To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are usually only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and 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 fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that feature the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. auto key replacement of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in 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 key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine. In theory, this is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car dealerships. For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good 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 right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.