Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

But, if the fob is damaged but does not require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

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

This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big problem. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key replacement near me key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting.

Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could Cost Replacement car key as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.

If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when 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 key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car key replacement near me theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people think. They can get wiped out quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.

Transponder key replacement remote car keys costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.