Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.

It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.

The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or Cheapest car Key replacement open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.

Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.

Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key 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 available today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might 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 placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a cheapest car Key replacement and also to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key car replacement blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.