Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. vehicle key replacement are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a problem. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have 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 it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
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 tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible 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 insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily 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. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.