Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
car key replacements can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are typically thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them which was probably affordable. However as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's best to always keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key 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 on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, replacement key for car near me are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could 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 is only done by a licensed locksmith.