Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at 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 does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some 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 for an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and comfort.
It is crucial that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard 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. This is because these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key 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 does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically replacement car key is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.