Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Today, however, that could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of Cost replacement car key of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost 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 and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.

It is more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto car key replacement near me repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to 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 if you need it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades 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 keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.

It is important that the company cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.

Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some can even do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.

Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith 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 correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.