Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
The key blades have slits on both sides that 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. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once content have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely 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. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. 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 features.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and kind of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops 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 keys are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult 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. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may 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 locksmith who is certified.