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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith. However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost. Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was just a nuisance. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait. Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars. Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use. If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly in the event that you don't. relevant website must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that feature a “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key. Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine. In theory, this is effective However, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right tools 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 help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.