Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is damaged but does not require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key, which was probably relatively cheap. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once auto key replacement have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult 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. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.