Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.

You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement keys for car costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that 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. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

It is more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.

If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. Then, they'll make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.

These keys require special machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.

Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.

Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost for car key replacement of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They also make it harder 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 keys.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.

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 inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and transponder key replacement begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.

Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.

It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.