Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
These days it could be a costly proposition in the case of 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 miniature electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
car key replacement that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.