10 Places To Find Cost Replacement Car Key Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require programming.


1. Type of Key

Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which 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 or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.

The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a nuisance. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.

Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.

It is more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.

Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.

It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are typically only available through dealerships. They are however, 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 likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient 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. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key.

These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If automotive car key replacement does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.

It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.