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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.

However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement car key cost.

Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually thicker than regular car key replacements keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a problem. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have the button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.

Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.

Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.

It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for Transponder Key replacement labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

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

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is advisable to find locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.