Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have a button which when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The blades of the key have two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. auto key replacement need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in 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 model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These 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.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable 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 cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.
It is advisable to find locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.