Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs and remote car key replacement transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The kind of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past lost car keys was a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when 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 unlock the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer.

Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

The key blades have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key 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 popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

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

These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $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 that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing 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 having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost replacement car key, http://alicetarot.paul-it.com/board/bbs/board.php?bo_table=review&wr_id=202692, up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.

This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year and cost replacement Car key make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.