snowpimple85

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership. However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement. Today, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them. You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others. The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost. Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Key Fob In the past, losing your car keys was a nuisance. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be. In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting. It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car. Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person could do. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it. 3. Laser Cut Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal. They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. automotive key replacement are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience. If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder. To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications. They are usually only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate. For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today. 4. Switchblade Keys Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions. Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key. The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys. These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine. Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars. It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.