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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement. Today however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern 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 cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them. You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have will also affect the cost. replacement key for car near me are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting. It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible 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 should you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use. If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are usually only available through dealers. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. 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 are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have 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 release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key. The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.