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automotive car key replacement of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them. This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance. The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago lost car keys was a inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so do 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 unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car 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 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 the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait. automotive key replacement can be more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use. It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. 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 inside the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. 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. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys. These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.