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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if the device isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. Nowadays it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. replacement car key fobs are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait. Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars. 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 particular vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use. It is crucial that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack 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 will run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs that feature the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type. In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of 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 over time. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.