Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.

It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost key replacement car or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the Cost replacement car Key of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was not a big nuisance. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.

It can be more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new car key replacement vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.

If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key 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 in order to determine the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

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

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacement car key of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use, these electronic car key replacement keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.

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

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary 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 correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.