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How to Cut Down on the Cost of a Lost Car Key

Finding a new car key at the dealership is costly. However, there are ways to cut down on the cost.

Much of the cost is contingent on the year, model and model of the car. Many newer vehicles have high-tech transponder chips that must be connected by a locksmith or dealer.

Mechanical Keys

A few years ago, misplacing your car keys was a simple process that required a quick phone call to a locksmith and a trip to the nearest gas station. But as cars have become more advanced in technology and sophisticated, so have the keys, making them more difficult to replace and, in the worst case, more expensive if you lose one.

The year, make and model of your car are the primary determinants of the price to replace your car keys. Locksmiths can easily duplicate mechanical keys that are older and are cheaper than purchasing a replacement car keys cost near me key from the dealer who will need to connect a new computer with your vehicle.

The car key fob is an add-on that allows you to lock or nearest unlock your doors without needing an electronic key. Some push-to-start vehicles can be re-started using key fobs. They are inexpensive and easily programmable by a professional locksmith. Laser cut and switchblade keys are more complex and require to be connected to the vehicle at a dealership, adding to the cost.

Transponder Keys

If your car has been in use for more than a few years, it's likely to have a chip inside the key that communicates with your vehicle when you put it in the ignition. This is a safety precaution which prevents anyone from starting your vehicle without your permission. It is only effective only if the key is equipped with a properly cut transponder in it.

The cost to replace lost or stolen transponder keys is a bit more expensive than standard metal keys because of the additional manufacturing costs for the chip that is inside the key. They can also be more difficult to program, meaning you'll have to visit a locksmith or nearest dealership to get your replacement key made.

The dealership where you bought your car is the best source to contact in case you lose your transponder keys. The dealership will charge a higher price than if you hired an independent auto locksmith. You will also have to wait longer before you get the service. So if you don't have time to wait, go to a local locksmith for faster and more affordable service.

Key Fobs

Modern vehicles come with keyless entry and remote starting. They can be costly to replace in the event of loss or stolen. The cost replacement car key of replacing a fob is between $50 to $400, based on the model and automaker of the vehicle. Furthermore, many fobs require reconfiguration, which could add another $50 or more to the total cost.

Key fobs that are standard are rectangular pieces of plastic that have buttons powered by batteries which opens doors and in some cases can start the engine. In the 1990s, its use increased. This kind of key is cheaper to replace than a transponder key which requires a specific chip.

If your key fob simply not charging there's a chance to save money by replacing it yourself. Most fobs have CR2032 batteries and are available at hardware stores or big-box retailers for $10 or less. You can check the owner's manual or YouTube to see if you can find instructions on how to replace the battery. You can also head to Batteries Plus to get a cheaper alternative than the dealership.

Switchblade Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to your car or losing keys was not an issue. As cars have advanced in technology and security, it's becoming harder to replace keys. If your car has a transponder, smart keys or key fob, you might need to contact roadside assistance and be towed back to the dealer to buy a brand new one.

The type of key your car has determines how much it will cost to get a new one. The standard keys are cheap to replace. They are made of metal that lock and unlock the ignition.

Key fobs can be used to lock or unlock your vehicle remotely. They're more expensive to replace than traditional keys. They make use of a wireless technology to connect with the chip of the vehicle which makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate their key fobs. Depending on the model key fob, some models come with the switchblade key, which folds in the fob and can be removed at the touch of a key similar to a folding knife. This is known as "anti-theft" technology and adds an additional layer of security.

Smart Keys

Misplacing a car key wasn't an issue prior to the time that key fob technology became commonplace. It was easy to find a replacement car keys cost near me key made at hardware stores, locksmiths, and even at car dealerships. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and are often costlier to replace.

Certain vehicles, like, have smart keys which allow you to unlock and start the vehicle even while the key is in your pocket. The system detects the rolling code on the key and validates it in milliseconds. This prevents people from using the same code on other keys to unlock your car and start it.

You should go to the local dealership in the event that you own a vehicle equipped with a smart key. They'll have the latest technology and will be able to cut and program your new keys on the spot. It will cost replacement car key more than going to a locksmith, but the service will be faster and more reliable. Bring your VIN number. It is located on your dashboard, or on your insurance paperwork.