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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs. 1. Key Type Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement. Today it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for a small charge. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait. Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original car dealer. Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it. 3. Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort. It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications. how much are car key replacements require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key. Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key 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 start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars. It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but 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 programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.