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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto car key replacement near me locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

Today, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.

It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about 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.

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

They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable car key cover replacement keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, 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 like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, fob and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.