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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and does not need reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new. It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. replacement key for car near me will then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that can 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 must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features. Fobs that have the “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not working. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships. It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.