Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Key Type

Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.

It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on remote car key replacement transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.

Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost replacement car key a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car key replacements dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be inexpensive. As cars have advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with 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 vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost car keys replacement cost uk fob while you are waiting.

It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new car key replacement vehicle and are usually 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 these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.

It is important that the company cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs with the "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 is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and type of key.

Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

In theory, this is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.

It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.