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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 key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if car key replacement price isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. Nowadays, however, that 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. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them. This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait. Fobs with a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use. If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. It is also important to 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. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They are usually only available from dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up 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 usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and also 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, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning. 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 cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships. It is advisable to find locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.