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 get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
Today, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. 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
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big nuisance. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and type of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys to cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. see this page requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.