Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
Today it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in 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.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. auto car key replacement is not something that the average person could do. This is why it's ideal 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 in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also think about 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.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can 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 doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program a 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 special service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.