Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need programming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
Today however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. you can try these out is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then make use of the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are generally more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.