Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. Whether they slip out of your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned 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 dealer.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
It is crucial that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure 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. In contrast to older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are usually much more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and also 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 then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. automotive car key replacement is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.