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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. replacement key for car near me can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them. This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a nuisance. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. vehicle key replacement for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting. Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer. Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. 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 placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort. It is crucial that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. car key replacements are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key. These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however 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 service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.