Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them. You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait. Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than conventional 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 and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves. They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use. It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly when you don't. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/bmw-car-key-replacements-near-me/ must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality. Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is, 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 harder to hot wire a car and start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships. For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually 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 done by a locksmith who is certified.