Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, whereas a smart key may require you to visit a dealership 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 while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was just a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical 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 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 those made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides that permit the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because 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 is essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not perform as expected. 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 crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain 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 the doors, and also turn on the engine. mobile car key replacement to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
remote car key replacement are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as long-lasting as some think. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself can cost as much as $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is best to hire locksmiths who have the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.