Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
These days however, it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key contains transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more technologically advanced and so do their keys. replacement car key fob means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without 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 include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will 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 can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. car key replacement emergency are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars 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. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. replacement car key fob is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process requires a special machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.