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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are replacement key for car near me to save money on your device if it is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was just a inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to 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, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal. They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience. It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are usually only available from dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked 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 functionality. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.