Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and is not in need of programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.

These days however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.

Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap car keys replacement to do so. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can 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 require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their more security and convenience.

If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

The cost replacement car Key of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car keys replacement when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this how.much is a replacement car key to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work 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 believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.