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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.

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 pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost replacement car key.

Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement car key costs on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap car keys replacement. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key replacement car key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.

It is more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.

If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car replacement keys dealerships.

This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith near me car key replacement who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.