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Keyfobs are as easy to lose as a set of actual keys! How do you start your car with your key fob if you lose it? I understand that the situation could cause you to panic because your car won’t start or move. However, you aren’t completely out of luck. 

What to do if your car key fob is lost 

If you lose your key fob, don’t freak out. Most cars come with two key fobs, so you can run inside and grab your spare. 

Or you can call a friend or a family member to retrieve the spare fob and bring it to you. Did you give it to someone you trust to hold on to in the event of an emergency? 

But what happens if you lose both of your fobs and you need to start your car immediately? If your car is old enough and doesn’t require a key fob signal, then you could use a screwdriver and hammer to hot-wire it. There could be a secret switch on the steering column as well. 

In some cases, you can call a locksmith or service like Triple AAA to unlock your car and replace your fob with an aftermarket option. 

But this depends on your type of key fob. Older ones that don’t have the key built-in are easier for aftermarket companies to program. These fobs typically only unlock and lock the doors and can be replaced for between $50 to $100. 

A car key fob being used to unlock a sedan
Car key fob | iStock

If your fob has a switchblade key, then a metal key is placed inside the plastic housing. It pops out when you push a button. This type of fob might be able to be replaced by a locksmith, but you’ll probably have to go to a dealership to replace it for $200 to $300. 

A smart fob, which is my favorite type, provides features such as remote start and proximity keyless entry. It emits a unique electronic code to start your car. Thieves have been trying to clone these signals, causing people to wrap their fobs in foil to block its signal. 

Anyways, if you have a smart fob your car will need to be towed to the dealership so a replacement fob can be paired to your car. 

If a replacement isn’t in stock then the part will have to be ordered. This can cost about $220 to $500 after without including the towing bill.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.