Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. automotive car key replacement can be lost in your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However since cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have the button that, when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. automotive key replacement will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves.
The key blades have two slits that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't function properly when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that are able to 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 that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes 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 type of vehicle and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership, which may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key 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 specific service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.