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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware shop, but 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 does not need programming. 1. Key Type Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them. This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait. Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. over at this website of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use. It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features. Fobs that feature the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300, depending on the 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 hazardous to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. It is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.