Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

However, if the device is damaged but does not require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.

These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally thicker than regular car key lost replacement keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car key replacement service keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key replacement car or damaged key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones 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 wait.

It can be more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and convenience.

It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't work properly if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car key replacements. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They are usually only available from dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys lost replacement keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. Keys that are changed can Cost Replacement Car Key anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and kind of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.

It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.