Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

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

But, if the fob is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual 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 replacement remote car keys costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past lost car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, cost replacement car key when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.

It's more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and convenience.

If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. 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 cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when required. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost replacement Car key of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.