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 duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Nowadays however, it could be a costly proposition in the case of 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, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a inconvenience. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut key replacement car -cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper 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 in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.