Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the fob is damaged but does not require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be quite costly when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact 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 a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a nuisance. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the typical consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and convenience.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the correct equipment. You'll get keys that don't function properly in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, car replacement key are much less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that's only found in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools 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 of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.