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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 get a copy of a car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and does not need programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. Today it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For car replacement key fob , basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. car key replacement remote have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting. It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort. It is important that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. 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 Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key. They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult 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. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. car replacement key fob is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.