Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.

It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. As cars have advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key replacement car key can be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.

Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.

It is important that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated 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 fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost replacement car Key as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.