Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
Info is why you should think about purchasing a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical 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 a button to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that has a transponder or computer chip than if it were an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's 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 ridges that are deeper in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You must also think about the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are less expensive 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 likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, as well as start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys come with transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive 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 an ideal choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. These car keys are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys can be expensive and will usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.