Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device is damaged but does not require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they wait.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. auto car key replacement can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is important that the shop cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths 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 according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They 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.
car key replacement that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door 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.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They can be destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.