Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are auto replacement key to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, 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. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be inexpensive. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that, when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike 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 a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys to cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
replacement car keys of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at car dealerships.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, including the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.