Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key, which was probably relatively cheap. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that, when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. auto car key replacement to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow keys to be inserted 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 provide more security and convenience.
If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
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 keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths 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 up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.