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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. However, if the device is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss. Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like 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 expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car 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 also contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs that have a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer. Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always ideal 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 more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and comfort. It is important that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also 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. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. try here for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type. The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not 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 transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle, including 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 key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.