Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.

However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.

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

This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key that you have will also affect the cost Replacement car key. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, Cost Replacement Car Key simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement car keys cost uk on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.

A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.

Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and 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

Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.

They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience.

It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cost replacement car key cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. 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 can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.

In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.

Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of 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 begin the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.

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