Ten Cost Replacement Car Keys That Really Change Your Life

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

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

But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.

It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement car keys insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement car key fobs costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow 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 due to their greater security and ease of use.

If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function 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 within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked 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 model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.

Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.