Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith. There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss. Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past the loss of your car keys was a nuisance. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past. Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk. A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait. It is more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original car dealer. Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it. 3. Laser Cut Keys In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves. Key blades feature two slits that allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their more security and convenience. It is essential that the company cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have 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 car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications. They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, https://self-dyhr.blogbright.net/there-are-a-few-reasons-that-people-can-succeed-on-the-cars-keys-replacement-industry are less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions. Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key. Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine. In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working. The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars. For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.