Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can obtain a copy of a basic car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need special equipment 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 a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was not a big nuisance. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their car without the need for a physical key. how.much is a replacement car key have a button which when pressed by the user, communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that has a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's ideal to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The key blades have slits on both sides that allow the key 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 today. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they will use a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and turn on the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob and are released when required. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without the driver needing to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be expensive and will typically require a trip to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys are not as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only available in dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have 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 over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for push-to start cars equipped with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.