Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key replacement for car stolen or lost car keys replacement. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement key fob for car on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago the loss of your car key fob replacement near me keys was a problem. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.

It is more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually 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 that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

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

If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or vehicle even break inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car key battery replacement's keys.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.

In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.

It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.