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Ten Cost Replacement Car Key Myths That Aren't Always The Truth
Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.

replacement keys car , however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. As cars have technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.


Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically 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 that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. 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 policy to make things easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.

If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.

Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.

It is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.

Website: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-replacements-near-me/