Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a problem. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This Webpage means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and 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 because they offer greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated 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 because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.