Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need reprogramming 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 pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall down the crack in the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
These days however, it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. car keys replacement near me or locksmith could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. As cars have advanced in technology as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare 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 more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific car. They will then make use of a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is because these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient but smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This process requires a special machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent 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 will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.