Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but doesn't require programming.

1. Key Type

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement keys for cars.

It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.

Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap car key replacement. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when 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 of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key with no 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 be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.

It is more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.

If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should 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 need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

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

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Changing these types of cheapest car Key replacement keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer which may or not 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 whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car key replacement cost's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is advisable to find locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.