Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have a key fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them which was probably inexpensive. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car key. car key replacements have an electronic button that when it is pressed 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.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. vehicle key replacement can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature two slits that permit 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 key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would think. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.