Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.

It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

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

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them which was probably affordable. As cars have become more technologically advanced, key so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key button replacement key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.

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

It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

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

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.

Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

It is advisable to find locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.