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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them. This is why you should think about purchasing 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 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, to name a few. The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past, losing your car keys was a inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait. It's more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally 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 having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort. If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are generally only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be 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 more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs with what's referred to 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 is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key. just click for source to the crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. where to get car key replacement is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all 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 will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.