Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need programming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
Today however, it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used 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 consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
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 a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things 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.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. automotive key replacement are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.