Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs associated with. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have the button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. car key replacement 's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have 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 required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. automotive car key replacement is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have 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. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.