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replacement key fob car of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. My Site 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. However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them. Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few. The type of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include 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 unlock the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait. It's more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car. Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and then 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. Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate. They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use. If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are typically only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that feature a “switchblade” key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key. Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine. In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.