Ten Cost Replacement Car Keys That Really Change Your Life

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.

But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of cost of Replacement Car keys, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys replacement for cars, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.

Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average person can do. 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 policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.

If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For replacement car keys an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, 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 at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it harder 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.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of car keys can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key car replacement typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.