Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss. Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things. The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big nuisance. https://foodlamp62.werite.net/heres-a-few-facts-concerning-car-key-replacement or car dealer could offer keys to replace them which was probably cheap. As cars have technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait. Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience. If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are usually only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type. Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then 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 could result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped 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.