Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

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

However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

These days however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major replacement car keys element in the price.

Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement car key near me on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was just a inconvenience. You could get a replacement car Keys key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It's more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.

Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.

It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have 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. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are 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 the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.