Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard 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 fob is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
These days however, it can be quite costly when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic 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 keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key that was likely to be cheap. However as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The key blades have two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once auto key replacement have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Making car key replacement to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the information for your vehicle including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.