Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up 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 get a new replacement.

Today however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost car key replacement or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of Cheapest replacement Car Keys and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, Cheapest replacement car Keys you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

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

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key that was likely to be cheap. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.

It can be more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's always best 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. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and comfort.

It is important that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). 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 will then use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since 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 the keys to your car keys replacement cost.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio 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 does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.