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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's important to understand the various costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and does not need programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss. It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit. 2. G28 Car Keys lost car keys was a problem. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some 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. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait. Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use. It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They are typically only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be 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 have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key. They are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in car dealerships. It is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.