Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut vehicle key replacement may increase the cost of a replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell keys to replace them, which was probably relatively cheap. However as cars have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost one can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the kind of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was difficult, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder 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 scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as people think. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a good idea to keep all of 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, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.