Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why 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 are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have the button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. key replacement car are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.