Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
These days however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. This Internet page represent a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, as these are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the 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 an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized machinery 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 hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of keys 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 typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which can lead to the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.