Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is merely damaged and doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices, and they're 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 a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers 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 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 others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob for instance, are relatively cheap, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was a problem. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. However since cars have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your fob while they wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. It's best to always keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be placed into the door or 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 more security and convenience.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications specific to your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles utilize key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also turn on the engine. click here! are not mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some can even do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these types of keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They can get wiped out quickly, which can cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional cost. This procedure requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.