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 basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
These days, however, that can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring a physical car key. The small plastic fobs have a 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 traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's always ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is important that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly when you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside 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 a computer system to get the specifications for your specific car. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the 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. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology 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 used by criminals to copy your car key.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. auto key replacement of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as people would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only available in car dealerships.
This is why it is best to hire a locksmith who has the right equipment 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 correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.