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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and doesn't require programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. These days it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was just a problem. key replacement car could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting. It's more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. It's best to always 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 things easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use. It is important that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break 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 an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with the “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key. They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. It is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.