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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. Today however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them. This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key you have will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. similar web page are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait. Fobs with transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original car dealer. Many companies that deal 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 particular vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It's best to always 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 In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They are generally only available through dealers. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities. automotive car key replacement that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as people 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 can be high. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.