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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. car key replacement near me can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them. This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. key replacement car are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was just a problem. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively affordable. As cars have advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting. Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their more security and convenience. It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device 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 your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will use a CNC 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 costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality. Fobs with the “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type. The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars could be costly and 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 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 matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working 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 an additional expense. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help 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 can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.