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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith. However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement. These days however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. This is the reason you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait. It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it. 3. cost of a car key replacement Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. The key blades have two slits that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys available today. 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 car, it is essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside 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 in order to determine the specifications of your car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive 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 can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key. The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. For this reason, it is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.