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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but is not in need of programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. key replacements car packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss. It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other 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 a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past the loss of your car keys was a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait. Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal. Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use. If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. 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 even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. They will then make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of key 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 use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. 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 crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine. In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.