Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of Replacement Car Key Fob and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or replacement Car key Fob stolen keys and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement remote car keys on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $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 up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car keys replacement thieves to duplicate.

Key blades feature two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

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

They are usually only available through dealers. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure 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. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.

Unlike the old crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.

This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.