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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but 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 programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them. You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past lost car keys was a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be inexpensive. As car key replacements have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting. It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer. Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort. If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have a “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle 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 also start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to think. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.