How to permanently disable anti-theft?

[John Macgregor]

My daughter's got a 2000 model Accent, & is in the expensive habit of losing the key. The key (with anti-theft chip) costs $240 to duplicate - however it's debatable if the car itself is worth that.

The auto-electrician says disabling the anti-theft would mean an expert hacking into the car's central computer - also more expensive than replacing the whole car.

I'm wondering if anyone's come up with a workaround?

Thanks to all.