Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.

1. Key Type

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

It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.

Consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as 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. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a Replacement car Keys car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. key replacement car Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement car key cost key that was likely to be cheap. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.

Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

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

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and replacement car keys $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, replacement car keys and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key.

They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car'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 begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.

It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.