Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used 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.
key replacement car is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
The key blades have two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs due to their more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made 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 a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the car and type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans 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 idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They can get wiped out easily, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.