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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.


This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was a problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key which was probably affordable. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

It can be more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.

If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about 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 need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once resources have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are generally only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. car key replacements behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.

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