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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, but 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 only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.

This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.

The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost of replacement car keys.

Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car key replacement cost used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car key fobs replacement dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost key replacement car fob while they wait.

It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.

They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and ease of use.

It is important that the company cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.

To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.

For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.

In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost replacement car key up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.