Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in 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 purchase a new replacement.
These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with 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 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 an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key that was likely to be affordable. As cars have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
automotive key replacement that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The key blades have slits on both sides that permit 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 on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with 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 usually much more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, auto key replacement inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.