Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

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

It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.

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

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car replacement key cost. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, 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 in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.

It is more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car key replacement near me dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO emergency car key replacement Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

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

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.

It is essential that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't function properly if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key.

They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.

This is why it is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key replacement for car fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.