Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to 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 an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For car key replacement , basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively affordable. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $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 vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.