Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

Today it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall Cost Replacement Car Key.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.

Fobs with transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional 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 deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car key replacement cost dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't function properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.

They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.

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. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have 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 will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.