Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

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

However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

These days however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost for replacement car key and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For example, basic 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 keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be affordable. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car key lost replacement without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

It's more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can Cost Replacement Car Key upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that 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, because they offer more security and convenience.

It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. 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, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and type of key.

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

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car key fobs replacement and start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith car key replacement cost with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as 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 can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.