Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear in strange places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost as some keys are more costly to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have a key fob, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key, which was probably relatively inexpensive. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology and so have keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular in the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with a button which when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car and are typically only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that the average consumer can do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it simpler if you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be put into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most common type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the company cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't work properly if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll need to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need 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 utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which is released at the push of a button whenever needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to remove them from their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If car key replacements does, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it harder to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right 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, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.