Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a cheapest car key replacement key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement car keys price.

Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total replacement car keys cost near me costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect 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 relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you are waiting.

It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.

The key blades have slits on both sides which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys available these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

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

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure 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. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys replacements keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning.

The cost replacement car keys near me car key, Recommended Browsing, of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.