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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require programming.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

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

The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular in 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 the button that, when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.

The key blades have two slits that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an 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 are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.

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

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, replacement car key as well as the model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.