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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce 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, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. These days however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss. This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was a inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer 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 without a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait. Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. The key blades have slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and comfort. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut replacement key for car near me -cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. key replacement car have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start features. Fobs with a “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 are released when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that 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. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside 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 a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.