Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the device is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. vehicle key replacement have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
These days, however, that can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key which was probably cheap. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally 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 specific vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. 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 insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your 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 retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good 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, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.