Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are 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 replaced auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.

It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.

Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement car key costs and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

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 key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It's more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

It is essential that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with 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 are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.

Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.