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5 Clarifications On Cost Replacement Car Key Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming. 1. Key Type Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with 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. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost. Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob In the past the loss of your car keys was just a nuisance. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting. Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars. Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It's a good idea to 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. Keys Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience. If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and type of key. They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee. 5. replacement keys for cars In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.