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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss. This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut auto car key replacement may increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. automotive key replacement can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer. Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits that are inserted into both 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 common kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience. It is important that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They are generally only available through dealers. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with the “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder 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 special programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.