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 find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In car key replacement , you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Today, however, that could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a problem. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades 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 available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need 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 for your specific car. They will then make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.