Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose your car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith. There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but does not need programming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement. It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss. This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. 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 such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost. Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit. 2. Key Fob In the past, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be. Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when 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 an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting. It's more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars. Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves. They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience. It is essential that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when 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 even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate. For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that feature a switchblade key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type. These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys. These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine. In theory, this is effective but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all. replacement car key near me of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires a specific machine, which 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 have all of 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 typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.
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