Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
These days however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. 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 factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is then molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was not a big problem. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have advanced in technology and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
replacement key fob car is more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person could do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not working.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.