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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 keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss. This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting. Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. key replacement car of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier in the event of need. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. car key replacements makes them harder for car thieves to steal. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. car key replacements for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that feature the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.