Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if auto key replacement has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the 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 tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is essential that the place cutting keys has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. They will then make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.