Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn’t damaged and does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be hard to locate, whether they slip out of your purse when you’re out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be quite costly when you’re driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without key fobs, for example are relatively inexpensive 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 duplicate. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle’s security system or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those that were made prior to the ’90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer for cars.
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 are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn’t something that the average person could do. This is why it’s always ideal to keep a spare 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 need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The blades of the key have two slits that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is important that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. Otherwise, you’ll end with a key that doesn’t work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn’t of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths These newer car keys come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature the “switchblade” key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
They are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car’s keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine – some can even do so without having to be taken from the driver’s pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car’s hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren’t as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank itself can cost replacement car key (hop over to this site) upwards of $50 and then there’s the additional expense of having it programmed. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of your vehicle’s information ready including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it can cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.
