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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car KeyIf you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.1. Key TypeCar keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the 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, among others.The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.2. Key FobThe loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a 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 in the vehicle or open the trunk.A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.3. Keys Laser Cut KeysLaser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.It is essential that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. 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.The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.4. Switchblade KeysModern 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 easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. key replacement car have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.5. Transponder KeysIn contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.In theory, this technology is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.