Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement. It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them. This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you have also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key that was likely to be affordable. As cars have advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The small plastic fobs have the 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 in the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-replacements-near-me/ that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. Key blades feature two slits that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and ease of use. It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality. Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.