Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.

These days, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement car keys cost near me of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.

Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car key fobs replacement.

Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare 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 require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The key blades have slits on both sides that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost Replacement car key more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

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 could include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then 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 types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.