Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and is not in need of programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them. This is the reason you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key which was probably cheap. However as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting. It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare 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. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. The key blades have slits on both sides that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and convenience. It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have 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. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/lexus-car-key-replacements-near-me/ have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. 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 for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and 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. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships. This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.