Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

However, if the device isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a Replacement Car Key.

Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern 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 loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The kind of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have the button that when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific car key fob replacement near me. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for replacement car key valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. 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 used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop 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, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key car replacement fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.