20 Reasons Why Cost Replacement Car Key Will Never Be Forgotten

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 find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only 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 pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you have also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car key lost replacement dealer could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As cars have advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and ease of use.

It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the 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 labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.

They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans 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 unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in 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 involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.