Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.
car key replacements became popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote for a small charge. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are less costly 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 likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars 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 which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also 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 car and the type.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some like to think. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.