Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.

However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the sofa 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 purchase a replacement.

Nowadays, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.

This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.

The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then 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 inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology 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 vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.

Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. 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 insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

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

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience.

It is important that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't work properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper 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 probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

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

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key replacements for cars that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key.

Unlike the old crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.

These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted 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 vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is advisable to find locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended 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 could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.