Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to understand the various costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
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 quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As cars have technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
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 tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best 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 even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can 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 built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. generally cost more to replace. key replacement car have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming 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 help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.