Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into 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 pick up a replacement.

Nowadays it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement car key near me costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.

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

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor cost replacement car Key inconvenience. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You should 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.

To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.

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 release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.

These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that 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 car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many 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 cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.