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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.

Today it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. 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're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your mobile car key replacement keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.

Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can 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 or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more 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 keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected when 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.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are generally only available from dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith car key fob replacement key replacement cost (Read the Full Article) or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs 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 feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. They are also much more difficult 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 your car's keys.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into 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 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 difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program a new car key replacement transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.