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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership. However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. Nowadays it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss. Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost. Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they wait. It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. car key replacements can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience. If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added 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 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to 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 doors, as well as turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality. Fobs with a “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type. In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. The car keys 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 keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.