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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes 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 will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost. Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. 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 have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting. It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original car dealer. Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience. If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within 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 specific to your car. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with the “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, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key. These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could result in the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.