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 from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using also impacts the cost for replacement car key as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, damaged and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.

Fobs with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

The blades of the key have two slits which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.

If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult 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. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys replacement for cars that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.

They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.

These electronic keys can open doors and 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 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 whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, damaged which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.