Ten Cost Replacement Car Keys That Really Improve Your Life

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get 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 pick up a replacement.

Nowadays however, it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost car key replacement or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement car keys - Click at Dothome - costs and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.

It can be more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

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

The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. 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 laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive 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 will likely range between $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto car key replacement near me locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into 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 is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith near me car key replacement professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key replacements for cars blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder 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 specific programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.