Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer. However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs. 1. Type of Key Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement. Nowadays however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss. This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance. The type of key you have also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost. Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired 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 purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past. In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk. An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait. Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer. Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need. 3. Laser Cut Keys Keys Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves. Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience. It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder. To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications. These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate. The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today. 4. Switchblade Keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on 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. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality. Fobs with the switchblade key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type. They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key. Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee. 5. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine. Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning. The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars. It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea 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 right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. www.g28carkeys.co.uk/kia-car-key-replacements-near-me/ require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.
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