Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
These days it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them costly to replace in the event of a loss.
This is the reason you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized as a way to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, 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 vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for an affordable fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were an ordinary one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle, and they are generally only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is essential to make sure the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly when you don't. 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 laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your car. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are generally only available from dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150 and $250. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. These keys can be more expensive. They vary from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without the driver having to take them out of their pockets. Changing these types of keys to cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder 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 read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to think. They are able to be easily washed out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. vehicle key replacement is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific service that is only performed by a certified Locksmith.