Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand price the various costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.

Today however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without 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 transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have the button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle 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 car key replacement near me locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put 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 key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.

It is important that the place cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start 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 smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.