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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them. This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car 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 also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait. Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. automotive key replacement makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience. It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that have the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.