Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, Mobile Car Key Replacement Near Me while an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.

These days, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.

It's more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The key blades have two slits that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.

If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. 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 a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car keys replacements and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for mobile car key replacement near me thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your Mobile Car Key Replacement Near Me key.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.