Ten Cost Replacement Car Keys That Really Help You Live Better

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but doesn't require programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a Replacement car keys.

Today however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement car key costs insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them which was probably cheap car keys replacement. However since cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost for replacement car key up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common type of car keys available in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.

If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or replacement car keys cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

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

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate 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 fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of 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 more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only available in car dealerships.

It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.