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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and doesn't require reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. Today it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover just a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly. Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait. It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. The key blades have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. car key replacement near me will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features. 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 then pop out when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type. The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it difficult 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 keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee. 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 signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.