Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them. Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past, losing your car keys was not a big nuisance. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait. It can be more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer. Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience. It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must 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 Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/fiat-car-key-replacements-near-me/ can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.