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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed. 1. Key Type Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. This is the reason you should think about purchasing 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 lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. how much is a replacement car key uk of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key that was likely to be inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait. Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person can do. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience. If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even 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 this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are typically only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key for valet use. 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 easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to 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 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 the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent 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. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. cheap car key replacement can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.