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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can obtain 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 fob is merely damaged and doesn't require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

These days however, it 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 small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.

Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.

It's more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

It is crucial that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You should also 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 the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. They then utilize 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 cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.

Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.

These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. car key replacement near me make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.





Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.

This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.