10 Locations Where You Can Find Cost Replacement Car Key

Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key that was likely to be affordable. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
cost for car key replacement are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.