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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

Today, however, that could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement car keys with chips and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car replacement key manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

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

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.

It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when required. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car key replacement Price and start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.

It is best to hire a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.