Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, 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 only damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most surprising places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs 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. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These small plastic fobs have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at an affordable fee. It's the same as those made before 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is crucial that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once car key replacement near me have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would like to think. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. 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, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.