Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key that was likely to be cheap. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car replacement keys without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they wait.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves.

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and ease of use.

If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for local thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They can be destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.