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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed. 1. Key Type Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. These days however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them. This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait. It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. vehicle key replacement have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience. If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't work properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require 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 car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can 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 often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, vehicle key replacement come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key. These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine – some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.