Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

Nowadays it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that, when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It is more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost replacement car key (source for this article) up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.

Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade 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 key fobs replacement keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and ease of use.

If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the 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 an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are generally only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for cost replacement car key models that have push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but 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 can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.

This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have 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 and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.