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 find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and does not need programming.

1. Type of Key

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

These days it can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest 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, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a Replacement car Keys key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for Replacement Car Keys the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would 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 very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key replacements for cars fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.