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 find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. 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 others.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer.
automotive key replacement that deal with vehicles, 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 others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their more security and convenience.
It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive 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 probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when required. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. The keys for cars are 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 key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people like to think. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very 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 found at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools 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 correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.