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 obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be difficult to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a new key that was likely to be inexpensive. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at an affordable fee. This is similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It is more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing replacement for key fob could cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their more security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll end up with keys that don't work properly when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical 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. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive 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, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some are even 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 usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.