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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard 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 simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them. It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If car key replacements transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A traditional key with no 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 repair your lost fob while they wait. It can be more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could 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. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience. It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and type of key. These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. funny post in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.