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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple 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. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. As cars have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include a 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 of the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting. It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car. Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and add GEICO's 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. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. Key blades feature two slits which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and convenience. If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need 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. Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within 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 whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. cost for car key replacement is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.