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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. But, if the fob is damaged but does not 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 difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement. Today however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them. This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. replacement key car G28 Car Keys 's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they wait. Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but 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 best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. Key blades feature two slits that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use. It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. 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 keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality. Fobs that feature the “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars. This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.