Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be affordable. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have two slits that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are 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. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In car replacement keys , this technology is effective but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is best to hire a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.