Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a 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 if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common 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 insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The key blades have two slits that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once automotive key replacement have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. 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. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches 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 avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith with the right tools to program 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 correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost as much as $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 locksmith who is certified.