Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
These days it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
replacement key for a car of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is crucial that the company 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 because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much 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 will likely range between $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.