Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, 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 does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall through the crack of the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
These days however, it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a new key, which was probably relatively cheap. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In emergency car key replacement , key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to 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 may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the place that cuts them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the information for your vehicle including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.