Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
Today it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. car key replacements cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs have the button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys available these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. 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.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
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. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually 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 performed only by a certified locksmith.