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 obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

But, if the fob is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Key Type

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

It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car replacement key cost dealers 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, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic 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 alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.

It's more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.

If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't function properly if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and 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.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. 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 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

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

Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of car keys can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective 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 some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, car key fobs replacement resulting in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, 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 in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder 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 specialized programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.