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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed.

1. Key Type

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.

You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If click through the next site contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.

If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require 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 car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

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

Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.

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 will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio 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 if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.





In the theory of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.