Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss. Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. key car replacement cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost. Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting. It can be more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience. If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features. Fobs that feature a switchblade key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key. Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. This is why it is best to hire a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.
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