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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but does not need programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. Nowadays however, it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them. It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and 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 instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was just a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you are waiting. Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal. The key blades have two slits that allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience. It is essential that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end 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, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start features. Fobs with the “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. In replacement car keys , the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships. It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.