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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of to be reprogrammed. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement. It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss. This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively affordable. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait. Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. spare car key replacement can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and comfort. If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $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 service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.