Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

Today however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, [Redirect-302] making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total Cost for car key replacement.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key that was likely to be cheap. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which when hit 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 traditional key with no fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.

It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO emergency car key replacement Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit 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 available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealerships. They are however, 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 can range from $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and Proceed to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. 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 found at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote car key replacement transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.