Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs that are involved. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have the 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 alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. key replacement car 's a good idea to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation 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 crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't work properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
car key replacements are usually only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys have 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
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars come with transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive 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 typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to make illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into 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 vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the cost of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.