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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs associated with. You can duplicate 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 damaged but is not in need of reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. These days, however, that can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them. Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. G28 Car Keys cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car. Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person could do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use. It is important that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that feature a “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key. They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also 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, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however 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 performed only by a locksmith who is certified.