Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person could do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys available these days. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. You must also think about 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 will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize a 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 an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. auto key replacement can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great 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, and will save you money over time. 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 specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.