Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
These days it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key, which was probably relatively cheap. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $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 up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. It's a good idea to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and are released when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. remote car key replacement are costly to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.