Not much is worse than losing your only Car Key Replacement. Check your car insurance policy or auto club membership to see if they provide coverage for a replacement key fob and programming.

A locksmith can also help, but their prices vary. In any case, have a spare key made and keep it in a safe place.

Basic Key Fob

A key fob is a remote that unlocks your car door or truck and sometimes starts the engine. It’s a small plastic device with lock, unlock and alarm buttons, circuitry to transmit signals to your vehicle and a battery.

Many newer fobs also include a button to remotely park the vehicle. But not all vehicles allow this.

If you lose your fob, it can cost $200 or more to have a dealer program a replacement. This process involves using a special computer to connect your fob with the vehicle’s computer.

Some car parts stores sell aftermarket fobs for less. You can also find them online. But, if you’re buying a fob that’s not the same model as your vehicle, it could cause the security system to malfunction. Also, the fob’s battery may need to be replaced. Make sure you know how to do this before you buy a replacement. Also, check your car’s warranty or car insurance. Some coverages include free fob replacements.

Transponder Key

The transponder key (also known as a chip key) adds an extra layer of security to your car. It contains a microchip that sends a signal to the car’s immobilizer when it is inserted into the ignition. If the signal does not match the code in the system, the engine will not start. This significantly reduces the chances of your car being stolen.

These keys are standard in most modern cars – they are a part of the vehicle’s anti-theft system. If you’ve lost your chip key, a professional automotive locksmith can cut a new one and delete old codes from the system so that it will recognize the new key.

Some of these keys, such as the GM VATS and PASSkey 3 keys, use a resistor that changes the resistance when inserted into the ignition cylinder. These keys can be cloned by many locksmiths but will require a battery replacement every once in a while.

Keyless Entry Remote

Most modern cars come equipped with a keyless entry remote, or fob. This is a much more convenient way to start your car and unlock it, but there are some things you should know about this kind of key before you buy one.

Key fobs aren’t indestructible, and they will stop working eventually — sometimes as soon as the battery dies. They can also be compromised by a smart thief who knows how to intercept the signal being transmitted from the remote.

If your fob has stopped working, you will likely have to reprogram it. This will usually be a simple process, but the exact steps vary between makes and models. Generally, you will need to enter your vehicle’s programming mode by shutting the door and turning the key to the run position several times in rapid succession. It’s important to have your proof of ownership handy, as a locksmith will not code a replacement for your vehicle without it.

Switchblade Key

Many newer cars offer a unique key that acts as both a key fob and a traditional Car Key Replacement DC. Rather than having a separate remote and key, this type of key is designed to flip open with the press of a button, revealing a hidden key blade that unlocks your car doors and allows you to start the engine. These keys are billed as theft deterrents. A locksmith is able to make replacements for these, but the dealership or an automotive locksmith will need to come out and program the car to the new key.

The cost of a switchblade key can be higher than a standard replacement key fob, running $125 or more. However, there are ways to save on this. One option is to purchase a used switchblade key off ebay and use a DIY method to swap the immobilizer chip from your original key fob onto the new key, saving you the dealer’s fee of $60-$120.