Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
These days however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely 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 or dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require 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 retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
auto key replacement can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into 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 is, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is best to hire locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.