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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership. However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them. This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you have will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly. Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait. It is more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer. Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. replacement car key fob can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience. It is important that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality. Fobs that feature the “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an extra key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key. Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.