Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in strange places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
Today however, it could be a costly proposition when you're driving a car that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, simple keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a new key which was probably inexpensive. However, as automobiles have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will even replace the fob that was lost while you wait.
Fobs that contain a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with the new car, and they are generally only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. This is why it's always best to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
The key blades have two slits that permit keys to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are that are in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is important that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't function 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 even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. Then, they will use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealers. However, they are much less expensive 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 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. auto car key replacement are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open 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 expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car when it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and also to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to believe. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only available at car dealerships.
For this reason, it is best to hire locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type 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 special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.