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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 find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. car key replacement is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait. Fobs with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars. 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 not tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average person could do. automotive car key replacement to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. The key blades have two slits which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience. It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are generally only available from dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key. They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and also 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, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working. Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.