Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
These days, however, that could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of an actual car key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will repair your lost fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that have a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than standard ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use a CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.
The electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. replacement auto key fob for cars are much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.