Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, whereas the smart key might require you to visit an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unlikely places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
These days it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover only a small fraction of the total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Resource that don't have a key fob, for example are fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key has transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to a specific shape and are then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor inconvenience. A car dealer or locksmith would sell you a replacement key that was likely to be inexpensive. However, as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it was in the past.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more costly to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the typical consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't work properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific vehicle. They then utilize a CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed by the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors and start the engine. In contrast to older mechanical keys that operate 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 a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use, typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.
The electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it difficult for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. Making changes to these types of car keys could be costly and typically require a trip to the dealership which may or not include a towing fee.
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 whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to keep all of the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.