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How to Cut Down on the Cost of a Lost Car Key

A replacement car key from the dealer can be expensive. There are a few ways to lower the cost.

The cost of the car is largely contingent on the year, model and model of the car. The latest models often have high-tech transponder chips that need to be linked to the vehicle by an expert locksmith or dealer.

Mechanical Keys

In the past the loss of your car keys was a relatively simple issue which required a quick call to a locksmith in the area and a trip to the gas station. But as cars have become more advanced in technology as well, so have their keys, making them more difficult to replace and possibly more costly if you lose one.

The cost of replacing your car key is mostly determined by the year, model and type of vehicle. Mechanical keys from the past are simple to duplicate by locksmiths and are often less expensive than purchasing a new one from a dealer, and you requires the new chip with your vehicle.

The car key fob is an addition that lets you lock or unlock your doors without needing a mechanical key. They can also be used to open some push-to start cars. They are cheap and can be programmed by a professional locksmith. Laser cut and switchblade keys are more complicated and have to be connected to the vehicle at a dealership, which adds to the cost.

Transponder Keys

If your vehicle is older than couple of decades, it most likely has an electronic chip that communicates with the car when you insert the key. This is a security measure that will stop the ignition of your car from being started without your consent. It will only work only if the key is equipped with a transponder cut correctly in it.

The cost to replace lost car key replacement cost or stolen transponder keys is a bit more expensive than regular metal keys because of the additional manufacturing costs for the chip inside the key. Keys are also more difficult to program, so you'll need to go to a dealership or locksmith for a replacement key.

When you lose a transponder-key the most convenient location to call is the dealership from which you purchased your vehicle. You will pay a higher cost of a replacement car key than if you employed an auto locksmith who is independent. You'll also have to wait longer before you receive service. If you don't want to wait, a locksmith in your neighborhood can offer an immediate and affordable solution.

Key Fobs

Modern vehicles come with remote start and keyless entry. They can be expensive to replace when lost car key replacement cost or stolen. A replacement car keys cost fob can cost $50-$400 depending on the automaker and model of the vehicle. In addition, some fobs require changing their programming, which could add another $50 or more to the cost.

A standard key fob is a rectangular plastic piece that features a button operated by a battery that opens doors and, in certain cases, starts the engine. In the 1990s its popularity rose to new heights. This kind of key can be repaired at a lower cost than a transponder, which requires an additional chip.

You can save money in the event that your keyfob needs a new battery. Most fobs are equipped with CR2032 batteries and are available at hardware stores or big-box retailers for as little as $10. Read the owner's manual, or look up YouTube to see if there are steps on how to replace the battery. You can also head to Batteries Plus to get a lower cost alternative to the dealership.

Switchblade Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or Lost car key replacement Cost losing keys wasn't a huge problem. However, as cars evolved in terms of technology, it has become increasingly difficult to replace keys. If your vehicle is equipped with the key fob, transponder key or smart key, you may require assistance from roadside and be tow-ed to the dealership to get an upgrade.

The kind of key your car comes with determines the amount it will cost to purchase a new one. Keys that are traditional are cheap to replace. They have metal shanks that lock and unlock ignition.

Key fobs can be used to lock and unlock vehicles from a distance and are more costly to replace than traditional keys. They use a wireless system to connect with the chip of the vehicle and make it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate the keys. Certain key fobs feature a switchblade that folds into the key fob and pops out when a button is pressed, similar to a knife. This is known as "anti-theft technology" and provides an additional layer of security.

Smart Keys

Before key fob technology became widespread, losing keys to your car wasn't that big of issue. Hardware stores, locksmiths, and even car dealerships could provide an alternative key. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have keys, and they're often costlier to replace.

Some vehicles, for example, lost car key replacement Cost have smart keys which allow you to start and unlock the vehicle even if the key is in your pocket. The system validates the code that rolls on the keys in milliseconds. This prevents others from using your code on another key to unlock the car and start it.

It is recommended to visit your local dealer if you have a vehicle that has a smart-key. They'll have the most up-to-date equipment and will be competent to cut and program your new car key cost key on site. The cost is higher than going to a locksmith however, the service will be faster and more reliable. Bring your VIN number. It can be found on your dashboard or insurance documents.