Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
Today however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as 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. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However since cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. car key replacement contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $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 may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person 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 ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle 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 start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people think. They can get wiped out easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.