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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership. However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. Nowadays, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them. You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology 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 were popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting. It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car. Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves. The blades of the key have two slits which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If car key replacement near me does, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.