How Cost Replacement Car Key Has Become The Most Sought-After Trend In…

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

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 the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was not a big nuisance. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses that work with cars keys replacement, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key replacement cost key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

The blades of the key have two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

It is important that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. 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 inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the 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 have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not working.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.

It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.