Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was just a problem. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have 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 contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. car key replacement near me in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not 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 a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
car key replacements is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.