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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement. It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them. It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait. It can be more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car. 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 attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. The key blades have two slits which allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use. If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't work properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. key replacement car aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type. In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks 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 the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could 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 vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine. In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. replacement key for car near me requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.