Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for a small charge. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. 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
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
keys replacement can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. 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 are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.