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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement. Today it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them. 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 only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a replacement key, which was probably relatively affordable. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting. Fobs that have a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of 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 them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They require specialized equipment to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper 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 could range from $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. key replacements for cars are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs with a “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. sell are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type. Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it 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 is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based 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 specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.