Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement. It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-replacements-near-me/ on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss. It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price. Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a nuisance. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have a 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. An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting. It's more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer. Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use. It is essential that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key. Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine. In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not working at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.