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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement. It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost. Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. 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 for an affordable fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing car key replacement near me can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars. Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits inserted into the 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 popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience. It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type. They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key 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 specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.