Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and does not require reprogramming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in 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 the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
Today it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is why you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. 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. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key, which was probably relatively cheap. However as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they wait.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. automotive key replacement are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the place cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and kind of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing 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 are able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealer and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right 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 push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.