Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.

However, if the fob is damaged but does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.

Today it can be quite costly when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. 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 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 cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost car key cheapest replacement car keys near me, Read the Full Content, or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key which was probably cheap. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs 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 in the vehicle or open the trunk.

An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.

It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car key replacement near me thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car key fob replacement keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.

It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive 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 likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.

They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder keys replacement for cars

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car key replacements near me's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at car dealerships.

This is why it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. 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 push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.