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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.

1. Type of Key

Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.

It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of 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 think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if look at these guys has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.


Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed 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 sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.

Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.

Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average 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 should you ever require it.

3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.

They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.

If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.

The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. 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 that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.

These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.

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

Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships.

It is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.

Member since: Thursday, September 19, 2024

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