Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
However, if the device is damaged but does not require changing its programming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them which was probably affordable. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. These tiny plastic keys have the button that when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. replacement car keys price makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who require an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and to 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.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They can get wiped out quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year. key replacements near me will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.