Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
Nowadays it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was a nuisance. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut 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 put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. 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 vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. 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 the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. key replacement for car are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. 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 keys are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed 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 serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.