Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and does not need reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement. It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them. You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things. The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit. 2. Key Fob The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk. A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait. It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate. The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience. It is important that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications. They are typically only available from dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions. Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type. They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine. In theory, this is effective but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning. Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships. This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. automotive car key replacement will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.
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