Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on 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.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally more substantial than regular car keys replacement keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

It is more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, 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 could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

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

If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$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 key, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.

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

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for G28carkeys push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.