Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of programming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

Today it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.

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

The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your Car Key Fobs And Remotes used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key, which was probably relatively cheap. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car replacement key cost owners to lock and unlock their car keys lost replacement without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.

Fobs with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.

If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.