Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car key replacements 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
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original car keys lost replacement dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to connect a car keys replacements's hot wire and to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires an exclusive 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 vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a locksmith who is certified.
