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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For car key replacement emergency , simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting. Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer. Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as 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 are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades 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 available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience. If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are usually only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key 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 unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $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.