Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key<br /><br />If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.<br /><br />There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.<br /><br />1. Type of Key<br /><br />Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.<br /><br />Nowadays it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.<br /><br />This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.<br /><br />The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.<br /><br />Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.<br /><br />2. Key Fob<br /><br />The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.<br /><br />In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.<br /><br />A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you are waiting.<br /><br />It's more expensive 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 of the car.<br /><br />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 attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.<br /><br />3. Laser Cut Keys<br /><br />Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.<br /><br />The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.<br /><br />If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.<br /><br />To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.<br /><br />They are generally only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.<br /><br /><br /><br />For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.<br /><br />4. Switchblade Keys<br /><br />Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.<br /><br />Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key for valet use. <a href="https://anotepad.com/notes/h2itxswh">car key replacements</a> of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.<br /><br />These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated 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 used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.<br /><br />Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.<br /><br />5. Transponder Keys<br /><br />Transponder keys are different 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 put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car'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 to unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.<br /><br />In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.<br /><br />The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.<br /><br />For this reason, it is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.<br /><br />