Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might 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 reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall through the crack of the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems rely on key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a problem. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a button that, when pressed communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more 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, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't function properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. Then, they will make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys come with transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike find more that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without being removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.