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automotive car key replacement of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer. However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them. You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. As cars have advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting. It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow 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 that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience. It is crucial that the place cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They require specialized machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that have the “switchblade” key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key. These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. automotive car key replacement are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine. In theory, this technology is effective but smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars. It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.