Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively affordable. However as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. vehicle key replacement include the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your 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 an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice 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 type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.