Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement car keys price.

These days it can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and 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 expensive to replace in the event of the loss.

It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past lost car keys was a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a replacement key fobs for cars key that was likely to be affordable. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.

It is more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.

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 from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.

If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually 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 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car keys lost replacement and type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

Electronic keys can open doors and car keys Lost replacement start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into 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 is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.

For this reason, it is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. 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. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.