Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to 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. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you need to use it.
3. automotive key replacement to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some can even do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike 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 scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.