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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

Nowadays it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.

The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be inexpensive. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It is more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.

Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys battery replacement near me keys that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.

If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't work properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. The cheapest car key replacement keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car key lost replacement dealerships.

It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.