Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.

Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall Cost replacement car key.

Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key which was probably cheap. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.

It can be more costly to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or cost replacement car Key dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.

It is important that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

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

They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.

These wholly electronic mobile car key replacement keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for cost replacement Car key around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.