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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't need changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Nowadays it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite 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 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and 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 instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.

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

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was not a big nuisance. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car keys lost replacement dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle 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 contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It is more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.

It is important that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith 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 of your specific vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys battery replacement near me keys.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car Key fob replacement Near Me thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, 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 quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.