Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. vehicle key replacement can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a 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 can even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. 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.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must 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 typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are 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 lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment 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 of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.