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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 get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement. It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. auto key replacement 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 why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and ease of use. If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for 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 typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality. Fobs that feature a “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type. Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted 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 matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car dealerships. It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.