Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, near but the smart key might require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

These days however, it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob 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 why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealers or near manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively affordable. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO emergency car key replacement Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also 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 the keys to your car.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.

It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.