Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement car key fob.

It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.

It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement key fobs for cars costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap car keys replacement, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.

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

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a problem. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.

It can be more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't function properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

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

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

4. Switchblade Keys

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

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost Replacement Car key of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not working.

Transponder key replacement key for car cost costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.