Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a car key from any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance cheapest replacement car keys for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.

The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car keys battery replacement near me.

Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also 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

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.

If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). 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 a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with 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 are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars use key fobs to 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 the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key fob replacement near me keys.

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

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.

Transponder key replacement Key Fob for car costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.