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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new. These days however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of 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 an eventual loss. You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key you have will also affect 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 replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car 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 contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting. It's more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves. The blades of the key have two slits that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use. If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once vehicle key replacement have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't 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. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type. They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine – some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually 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 the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars. This is why it is best to hire a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of 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, which could save you money in the end. 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 specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.