Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to find, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However, as cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average person could do. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
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Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will 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 specific to your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people think. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the additional expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including 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 can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.