Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cover just a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, 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 copy. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves.
The key blades have slits on both sides which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches 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 avoid car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. cost of a car key replacement are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.