Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement car key near me.

These days, however, that can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement keys for cars car keys (Read the Full Document), and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with 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. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.

Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.

It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacement car keys of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The car key replacement service near me keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car key replacement online thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. 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 up to $180. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.