Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but does not need reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
Today it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs that are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a problem. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key, which was probably relatively affordable. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain a button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob with a computer chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are usually only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're interested in cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your vehicle. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. replacement keys car must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lightweight and more convenient. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of car keys could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not 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 put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system 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 start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They can get wiped out easily, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This process requires a special machine that is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended 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 over time. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for around $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a special service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.