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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn’t require to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.

Nowadays however, it could be a costly proposition when you’re driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They’re also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is the reason you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive since they’re mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it’ll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was just a problem. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the ’90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

car key replacement near me that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. It’s a good idea to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.

It is crucial that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You’ll get an unusable key that doesn’t function properly in the event that you don’t. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are typically only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you’ll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

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

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car’s key.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine – some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren’t as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there’s the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $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 special service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.