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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement. These days however, it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively affordable. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer. Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even simpler if you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort. It is essential that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are usually only available from dealerships. They are cheaper 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 likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected 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 that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine – some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine. In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. key replacements car can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.