Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and doesn't require programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.

These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical 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 have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they wait.

It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves.

Key blades feature two slits that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.

If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine 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 data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

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

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.

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

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and Replacement Car Key start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car keys battery replacement near me and then start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.