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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car keys replacements key, it's crucial to understand the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

But, if the fob is damaged but does not require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a mobile replacement car keys.

Today it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.

You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them which was probably affordable. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they wait.

Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.

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 particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car key replacements thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.

If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably have to pay 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 practical keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have 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 could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.