Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.

These days however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement car key fob, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost replacement car key.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO emergency car key replacement Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.

It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.

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

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost replacement car Key as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is best to hire a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.