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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs associated with. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith. But, if the fob is damaged but does not require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new. It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them. Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for a small charge. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait. Fobs that have a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car. Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience. It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't function properly when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. These keys need to 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 Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs that have the “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere 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 made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in dealerships for cars. It is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. i thought about this require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.