Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to understand the various costs involved. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key at any hardware store, but 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 reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Today it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically cost less than total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from 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 lost car keys was just a problem. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. However since cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. 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 akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
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 as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your purse or pocket. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have slits on both sides that allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed by the dealership. They are among the most secure and convenient car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models with push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. vehicle key replacement come with shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys which were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. The keys for cars are much harder to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with 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 prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but smart car thieves are constantly trying to outwit this technology. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank can cost as much as $50, and then there's the additional expense of programming it. This 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 to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year, make, and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.