Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key at 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 does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.

Today, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.

This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost car keys replacement cost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was a nuisance. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car key replacement store thieves to duplicate.

Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.

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 proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. It how.much is a replacement car key also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack 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 will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost for replacement car key.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read 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 start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.

The cost for replacement car key of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.

For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.