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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need to be reprogrammed. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. Today, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss. You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some 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 easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively affordable. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting. It's more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. automotive car key replacement make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience. If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require 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 car. They then utilize a 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 however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs that have a “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type. These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.