Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.

Nowadays however, it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement keys for car, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using will also impact the cost replacement Car Key, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was not a big inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

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

A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It's more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.

If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly in the event that you don't. 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 the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs with a "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 more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.

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

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car replacement keys's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.