Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As auto key replacement have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. 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 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea 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 can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.