Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's crucial to know the different costs associated with. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is not damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. car key replacements use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain 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 locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs that contain a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 to $250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key to use as a valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier 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 key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some can even do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they are equipped with an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is best to hire a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key 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 service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.