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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement car keys near me.

Today however, nearest it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big problem. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.

It is important that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths 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 more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and nearest the type.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people think. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.

It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for nearest cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.