Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays it can be quite costly when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use 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.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact 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. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them which was probably inexpensive. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. It is recommended 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 even easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their more security and convenience.
It is crucial that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, Read the Full Report 'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly 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 be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of 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 in that they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has 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. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.