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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. Today it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly. Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait. Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. The key blades have slits on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and comfort. It is crucial that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They are typically only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate. For car key replacement near me -in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type. Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine – some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities 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 locksmith who is certified.