Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
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 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, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
These days however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage 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 laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. key car replacement have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and 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 more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith 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 specialized service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.