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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them. This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key that was likely to be cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait. It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It is recommended to 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 things even simpler if you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use. It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. auto key replacement can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs that have the “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people think. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is best to hire a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.