Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, whether they disappear from 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, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
These days however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have a button which, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these are available to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer could do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once auto key replacement have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to 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, and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then you have the additional expense of having it programmed. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.