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Seven Explanations On Why Cost Replacement Car Key Is So Important
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the cost 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 locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need programming.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.

Nowadays it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with 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 alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.

Fobs with a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible 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 general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

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

It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

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

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology 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 devices 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. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.


It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.

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