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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement. These days however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big nuisance. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock 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 buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait. It's more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $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 may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys in circulation in the present. car key and fob replacement are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't work properly if you don't. 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 key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. car key barrel replacement are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in 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 of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car'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 a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.