Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have the 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 similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the 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 them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to 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 then release when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. automotive car key replacement can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.