Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and does not need programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

Today, however, that could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, auto car key replacement near me and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.

It is more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto car key replacement near me (you can find out more) repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.

If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.