Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but does not need programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement car key.

Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.

This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and keys additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. 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

Not too long ago lost car keys was a nuisance. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as cars keys replacement have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for a small charge. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.

It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

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

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when required. 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 need an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to stop 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. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. 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 as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.