Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of programming. 1. Key Type Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new. Today it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss. Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If car key replacement service has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost. Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past, losing your car keys was just a problem. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly. Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk. A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait. It is more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer. Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it. 3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate. They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience. It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder. The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities. Fobs that feature the switchblade key that folds over itself when not being used 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 whenever needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type. The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys. These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all. Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships. For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.
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