Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Nowadays however, it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. replacement auto key or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be cheap. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which, when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have two slits which allow keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits the radio 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 is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder 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 specific service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.