Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

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 an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.

Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical 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 of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. 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 shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car replacement keys near me. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They require specialized machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable 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 be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.

Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's 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 expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.

It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.