Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.

Today it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or Remote Car Key Replacement transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, remote car Key replacement among others.

The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car key replacement service used to be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include the 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 open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.

Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually 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 with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.

It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would think. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself can cost for car key replacement as much as $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.