Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and does not need reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

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

This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through mobile car key replacement dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.

Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.

Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, Cost Replacement Car Key however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or Cost Replacement Car Key pocket and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.

It is essential that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your 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 information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release 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 need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car'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. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The Cost replacement Car key; http://envtox.snu.ac.Kr, of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.