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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. But, if automotive car key replacement is damaged but does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key which was probably cheap. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open 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 can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait. It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. Key blades feature two slits which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort. If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with keys that don't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not 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 with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs with a “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key. Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in 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 allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine. In theory, this is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as many would think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. This is why 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 car's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can typically 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 specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.