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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.

Today, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob 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 offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys 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 ease of use.

If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are typically only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. auto key replacement come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These keys are electronic and 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 might include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people think. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not working at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in car dealerships.





For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.