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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob In the past lost car keys was a inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using 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 have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting. It's more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing automotive car key replacement can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO 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 In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use. If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.