Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In car key replacement , you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
These days, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, 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 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. 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 common consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
It is important that the company cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard 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. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They 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 keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. car key replacement can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.