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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement. These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost. Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting. It can be more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, 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 and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common 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 simpler if you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and convenience. automotive key replacement is crucial that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You should 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 inside your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type. The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine – some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to 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 to start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, please click the next website in these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. auto car key replacement are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships. This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.