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Ten Myths About Cost Replacement Car Key That Don't Always Hold
how to get a car key replaced of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to understand the various costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

However, if the device isn't damaged and does not require changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Key Type


Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.

Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. It's best to always keep an extra 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. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.

If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.

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 are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes 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 begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.

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