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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs associated with. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. However, if the device is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If go to this website is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at 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 the fob that was lost while they wait. Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original car dealer. Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience. It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships. This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.