Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs associated with. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith. However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut 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, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss. This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob In the past, losing your car keys was a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be inexpensive. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could 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 an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly 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 probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that contain what's known 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 then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost. 5. https://gammelgaard-porter.hubstack.net/7-helpful-tricks-to-making-the-most-out-of-your-lost-car-keys-replacement are different from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.