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The Secret Secrets Of Cost Replacement Car Key
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

Today, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key that was likely to be inexpensive. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were an old-fashioned one. 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 may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The key blades have slits on both sides that allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, car key fob replacement near me 'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

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


The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.

For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.

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