Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs associated with. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
replacement car key to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific car. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.