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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith. However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait. key replacement for car with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer. Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience. It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. car replacement key will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have a “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key. Contrary to the crank key that was complex, 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 since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted 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 car replacement key does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is best to hire a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.