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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.

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

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.


These days it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.

You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.

The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example, are relatively cheap, 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 specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.

Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. click over here are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car 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 of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

click over here with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.

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

Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The key blades have two slits that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience.

If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't perform as expected 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 cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.

The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150-$250. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model 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 cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.

The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much harder to steal because 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 wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in 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 vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.

In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people think. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.

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

It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment 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. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.

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