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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. These days however, it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them. This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers 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, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting. Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $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 up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. remote car key replacement are usually only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$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 key that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are generally more secure than traditional 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 usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. inquiry communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether 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 done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.