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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and 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 hard to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. These days it can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. It's a good idea to 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 simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use. It is essential that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once key replacement for car have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that feature a “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They are also more difficult to steal since 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 your car's keys. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.