Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. car key replacement near me can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key that was likely to be affordable. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put 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 because they offer more security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted 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 is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key 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 the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.