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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but does not need to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a cheapest replacement car keys.

It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement remote car keys, and offer unlimited replacements for replacement remote car Keys stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was just a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key which was probably affordable. As cars have technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open 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 automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.

Fobs with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car keys replacement near me dealerships and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.

If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key.

They are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to think. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.

It is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.