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 copy a standard key at any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

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

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

It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

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

Key replacement For car fobs were 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 tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, Key replacement for Car car dealerships and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or Key replacement for car pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.

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

It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealers. They are however, less costly 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. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.

Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.