Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason 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 a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.

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

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was a problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them which was probably inexpensive. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key replacement cost 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

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.

It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys replacement for cars, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.

These 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 will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to avoid cheapest car Key replacement (Zaidsolomon.Top) thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is best to hire locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, cheapest car key replacement as well as the model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys 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 programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.