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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but does not need programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. 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. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting. It is more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. key replacement car make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. The blades of the key have two slits which allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys available these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use. If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even 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 this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type. The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works 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 like to think. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars. This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. car key replacements will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.