Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement keys car insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap car keys replacement, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, car keys Lost replacement if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As cars have technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.

It's more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as 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 of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and 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. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.

Contrary to the crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car keys lost replacement dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.