Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
These days, however, that could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. replace 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 easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly if 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 laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $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 difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder 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 specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.