Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was a inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. car replacement key is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is important that the place cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You should also 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 even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.