Ten Cost Replacement Car Keys That Really Improve Your Life

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement car keys with chips.

Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement car keys cost costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap car key replacement to do so. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.

Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.

If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't function properly when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific replacement car keys near me. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith near me car key replacement. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it is, 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 to start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.