Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement car key.

It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.

It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total cheapest Replacement car keys costs and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key car replacement you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have 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 contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car key button replacement thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car key replacement cost keys available in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.

It is crucial that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea 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 However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.