Ten Common Misconceptions About Cost Replacement Car Key That Arent Always The Truth

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If automotive car key replacement has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock 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.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely 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 have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.