Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

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 a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.

Today it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and replacement car keys near me key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of cost of replacement car keys near me - go to luxuriousrentz.com -, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key replacements for cars contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However since cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.

Fobs with transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra mobile car key replacement near me key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.

If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't function properly if you don't. It is also important to 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 inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and type of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to think. 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 itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.