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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and is not in need of programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. key replacement car can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. Today however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them. Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. replacement key for car near me are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was a problem. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive. Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting. Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and convenience. It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market 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 come with transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs with what's referred to 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 is released at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key. These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. key replacement car is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.