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 duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. auto car key replacement or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. auto key replacement have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. automotive key replacement are the most commonly used type of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is essential that the place cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even 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 this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and 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 a radio frequency signal to the car whenever 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 does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.