Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic 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 is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was a problem. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
key replacement car were popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides that permit the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and ease of use.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your 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 will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, 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. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.