Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but doesn't require programming.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.

These days it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement car key fob and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For Replacements instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.

It's more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use. typically cost of car key replacement more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at car dealerships.

This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.