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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively affordable. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional 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 up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves. Key blades feature slits on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys available these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use. It is important that the place cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to 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 with push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key. Contrary to the crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine – some are able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but 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 many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only available in car dealerships. For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year, make, and model. auto car key replacement will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. automotive car key replacement require a special programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.