Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is only damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be quite costly when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They then utilize the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as many would think. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. car key replacement requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have 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, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys 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 service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.