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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith. However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement. These days it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss. Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past lost car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a replacement key that was likely to be affordable. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. auto car key replacement 's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use. It is crucial that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable 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 likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key. The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities 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 licensed locksmith.