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Could Cost Replacement Car Key Be The Answer For 2023's Challenges?
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked 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, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. cost of replacement car key to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys


Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

Key blades feature two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.

If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't work properly if you don't. 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 inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are typically only available from dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys 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 functionality.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective However, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available in car dealerships.

It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however 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 performed only by a licensed locksmith.

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