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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. auto key replacements can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters 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 the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key, which was probably relatively cheap. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting. It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer. Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves. The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and convenience. It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. 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 within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will 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 cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.