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 obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The kind of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since https://notes.io/w11AW have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait. It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves. The key blades have two slits that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and comfort. If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They are usually only available from dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key. They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number 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. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.