Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with 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.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than 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 others.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was just a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith could sell you a replacement key that was likely to be affordable. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at a small charge. This is the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. It's best to always keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're considering getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific car. Then, they'll use a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If key replacement car does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.