Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.

However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Key Type

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.

Nowadays however, it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement key fob for car insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap car key replacement. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have 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 security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.

Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost replacement car key, here., up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.

It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't function properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are how much is a replacement car key uk less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.

Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are typically 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 for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's key.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, the most sophisticated 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 can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, 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 typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.