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 copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement car key Fob, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.

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

2. Key Fob

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

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and replacement Car key fob knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common 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 more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.

If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They require specialized machinery 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.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and Replacement car key fob secure keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.

Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are how much does a replacement car key cost uk more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.

This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.