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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and is not in need of reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. G28 stuffed with circuitry, making 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 are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. 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 a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key which was probably affordable. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for 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 alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait. Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer 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 keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. 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 inside your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs that feature a “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type. The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car'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 can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.