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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith. However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement. These days however, it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them. You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut replacement key for car near me are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait. Fobs that have a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use. If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. replacement key for car 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. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features. Fobs that have the “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are far 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 ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key. They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine. Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning 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 expense. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. replacement key for car near me require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.