Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. car key replacements loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. A car dealer or locksmith could offer you a replacement key, which was probably relatively cheap. However as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when hit by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the 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 that are that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, 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 an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are 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. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. Changing car key replacement near me can run between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in car dealerships.
For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your car's information ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.