Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, however a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Nowadays, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cover just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if replacement key car is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was just a inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at a small charge. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships might end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average consumer could do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have two slits that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
It is crucial that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't work properly if 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 inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys can be costly and generally require a visit to the dealer which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but smart car thieves are constantly looking for ways to defeat this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some think. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not working at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This process requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. 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 help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.