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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement. Nowadays however, it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them. This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If automotive car key replacement has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles 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 were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait. It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves. The key blades have two slits that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use. If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure 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 should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type. Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in 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 matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. 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 could result in the key not working. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.