Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
But, if the fob is damaged but does not require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall into 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.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. click here! are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The blades of the key have two slits that allow the key 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 more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult 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. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have 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, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.