Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car replacement key cost. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

These days it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest 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 loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is the reason you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.

It can be more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. It is recommended 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 simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

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 in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.

If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with keys that don't work properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key 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 your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have the 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 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost replacement car key - find more, cost Replacement car key of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and kind of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In theory, this is effective However, cost replacement car key clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not functioning.

Transponder key replacement remote car keys costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.