Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob is merely damaged and does not require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions or fall into the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to purchase a replacement.
These days, 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 used in these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. However since automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and this means that replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These tiny plastic keys have an electronic button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost up to $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with a lot 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's easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you ever need to use 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.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology in the. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary between $50 and $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used They are generally more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are typically more secure than standard keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. cost of replacement car keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some are even able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. These keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it is the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as many would like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can typically program a new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a certified locksmith.