Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of 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 pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.

These days 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 remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss.

Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special 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 another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.

Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills 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 also add GEICO's emergency car key replacement Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.

The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.

It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

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

They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith car key replacement cost. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car key replacement online thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.