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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith. However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement. Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them. 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 lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into 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 to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard 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 locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. It is recommended to 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 even easier if you need it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal. Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs with the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. key replacement for car cost can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective, however, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.