Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs associated with. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are locksmith car key replacement to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up 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.
These days it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. The 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 of losing them.
This is why you should consider obtaining the replacement of your key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using a physical car 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 also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific car. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over 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 required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult 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 key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are able to do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information 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 typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.