Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a dealership or locksmith.
There are automotive car key replacement to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
Nowadays it can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
You should therefore consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to 400 dollars for each key that is stolen or lost. These plans are usually just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need 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 are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring 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 are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, 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 are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It's a good idea 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 easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
The key blades have two slits which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs due to their greater security and ease of use.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine 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 your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your car. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use. typically, they 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 needed. They are typically more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past that were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer which may or not 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 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 does, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a special machine, which 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 recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.
