Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
These days however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically 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 easily duplicated 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 keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. vehicle key replacement of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is 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 more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people think. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order 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 over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys 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.