Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price 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 using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow keys 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 ease of use.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure 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. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
car key replacement that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys are electronic and 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 a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.
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 inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle 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. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $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.