Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If 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 at any hardware shop, Cheapest replacement Car keys but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

car key replacement service keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement car key fob.

Nowadays, however, that could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for Cheapest Replacement Car Keys on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.

Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

The key blades have two slits that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are typically only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

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

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and cheapest replacement car keys then start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not functioning.

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

This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.