Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or 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 or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add GEICO's 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
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the company cutting the keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't perform as expected when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. new car key replacement cost are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.