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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They 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 seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. 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. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for 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 which was probably cheap. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when it is 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. An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait. It is more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer. Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It's a good idea to keep an extra 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. 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. They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience. If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type. The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal 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 costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does 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 more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. remote car key replacement near me require a special programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.