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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs associated with. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement. Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition 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 stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss. This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience. It is crucial that the place cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. automotive key replacement come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine – some are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it matches 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 deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. It is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, 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 over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.