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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. These days however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss. It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. similar web page contain a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait. Fobs with transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater 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 place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. automotive car key replacement need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could lead to the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships. It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.