Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than 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 other things.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively cheap. However as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing car fob key replacement can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to 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 if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break 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 in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. car fob key replacement to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have 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, which then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.
For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.