Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
These days, however, that can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them which was probably cheap. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. auto car key replacement is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides that allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys to cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. automotive car key replacement differ from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put 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 does, the car 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 wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.