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Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.

There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Today it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.

It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.

Key fobs were 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. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.

It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.

Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It's a good idea to 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 even easier in the event of need.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.

The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. auto key replacement are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.

It is essential that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't function properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.

The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They require specialized equipment to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.

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

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.

Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key.


They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.

The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If car key replacement matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.

In theory, this technology is effective, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.

key replacement car is why it is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder 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 special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.

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