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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 duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith. However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new. Today 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 and remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost. Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. recommended are fashioned from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when it is pressed 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 akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait. Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves. They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use. It is essential that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use 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. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150-$250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people think. They can get wiped out easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that's only available in car dealerships. It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.