Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key which was probably inexpensive. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If auto key replacement of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will 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 for your specific car. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming 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 ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.