Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that 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 consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key that was likely to be cheap. As cars have advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. 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 also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
spare car key replacement with no fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common 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 Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The blades of the key have two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require 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 can then use a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.