Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is damaged but does not require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including 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 these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It is recommended 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 it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. 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 need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are more affordable 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 could range from $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. g28carkeys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the car and type of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as 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 key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.