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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. But, if the fob is damaged but does not require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement. These days, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them. This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key which was probably cheap. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly. Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait. It is more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including 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 are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't 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 in the event of need. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and convenience. If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require 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 get the specifications of your specific car. Then, they will make use of 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 cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike view publisher site , which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters 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 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs that have a “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key. They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine – some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into 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 is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.