Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

These days it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement car keys cost near me for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement car keys cost costs, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past lost car keys was a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without 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 replace your lost fob while they are waiting.

Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

It is essential that the place cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also 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 key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people think. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.

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 car dealerships.

It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.