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 basic key at any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

Today, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement keys car costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.

Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades 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 offer more security and convenience.

It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also think about 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 within the ignition cylinder.

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

These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and replacement car Key dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These wholly electronic car key button replacement keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in 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 keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.