Ten Cost Replacement Car Keys That Really Help You Live Better

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.

These days it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement car keys (Full Document) costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was a nuisance. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.

It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

Key blades feature slits on both sides that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.

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

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

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.

The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.