Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at 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 does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Nowadays it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs and provide 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. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key which was probably affordable. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater 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 place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, 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 can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds 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
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed 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 vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. key replacements car will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.