Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. automotive car key replacement make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They also make it 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.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key 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 specific programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.