Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.

However, if the device isn't damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new car key replacement.

It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement keys car costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key replacement for car that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key that was likely to be affordable. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.

It is more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket 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 deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience.

It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key replacement for car that is laser-cut you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.

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 then release when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and type of key.

Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit 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 keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.

This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.