Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged 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 pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. Today, however, that can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them. This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price. Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. car keys replacement cost can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait. Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars. Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves. Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use. If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are usually 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 likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and type of key. In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may 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 done by a locksmith who is certified.
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