Ten Cost Replacement Car Keys That Really Make Your Life Better

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

Today it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement car keys cost and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap car key replacement near me to do so. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number 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's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car replacement keys thieves.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.

Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent 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 the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it matches 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 connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the cost replacement car key of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will 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 key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.