Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. key replacement car make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide more security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.