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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement. Nowadays, however, that could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as 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, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss. This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. 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 also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for a small charge. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait. It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use. It is important that the place cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, 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 lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be 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 can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not working at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. auto car key replacement requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.