Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership. However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if 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 get a new replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss. This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include 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 that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special 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 can increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting. Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate. Key blades feature two slits that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience. If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-lost-car-keys-near-me/ for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars. It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.