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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith. However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. Today, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be inexpensive. As cars have technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting. Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. 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 companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. replace keys are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience. It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't work properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more 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 much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key. The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.