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15 Things You Didn't Know About Cost Replacement Car Key Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. These days however, it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut cars keys replacement can increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive. Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting. It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost as high as $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 with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. The key blades have two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use. If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for 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. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key. These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays 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 if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all 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 can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.