Cost of Replacing a Lost car key replacement cost Key

If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.

It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. key replacement car fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of car key replacement of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past lost car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement car key fob key which was probably inexpensive. As cars have technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.

It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves.

The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.

If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are generally only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.

Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start 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 is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.

The Cost replacement car key of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program a new car key replacement transponder key for about $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.