Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Today it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. car replacement key packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements 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 expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be inexpensive. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. auto key replacement cost can cost upwards of $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 cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. You should also consider 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.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are still 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 have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.