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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them. This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with 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. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost. Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. automotive key replacement include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting. It's more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience. If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. automotive car key replacement 'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the 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. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some 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 can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.