Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

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

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

These days however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacement car keys of replacing a car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be inexpensive. As cars have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.

It is more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or cost replacement car key computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.

Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could 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 simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The key blades have slits on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are generally only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version 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 generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your cheap car keys replacement's key.

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 having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car 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 many would like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost replacement car Key of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in car dealerships.

It is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped 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.