Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. automotive car key replacement of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
These days however, it could be a costly proposition in the case of 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, which makes them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a new key, which was probably relatively cheap. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You must 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 within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key according 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 difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it harder 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 electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
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 placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is best to hire a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.