Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to be aware of the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The small plastic fobs have an electronic 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 unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average person can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the right equipment. You'll end with 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 harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. Then, car keys replacement near me will use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and type of key.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.