Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can find a duplicate of a basic car key from any hardware store, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is only damaged and doesn't require programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, are stuck between your couch 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.
Nowadays however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
It is recommended to consider a key fob insurance plan that covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. remote car key replacement cost are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be inexpensive. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, which 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 vehicles without the need for a physical 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 of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. It's similar to keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost up to $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that a typical consumer can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides that allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the proper equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't function properly if you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted 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 employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are usually only available at dealerships. They are however, less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. keyless car key replacement is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key, which folds into itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pop out when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the crank keys of the past, which were extremely heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an appointment with a dealer, which may include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted 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 car will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed quickly, which can cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is advisable to find locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.