Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.

It's costly to replace a key replacement for car fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

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

The type of key 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 fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was just a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

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

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.

It is important that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. They can then use 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. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch 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 for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and Remote Car key replacement can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and Remote car key replacement transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.