Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs associated with. You can copy a standard key from any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and is not in need of reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a peculiar ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Today, however, that can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like push-to-start and key fob technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that could cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys and additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. However, if your key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to copy. These devices are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are usually heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have a button which, when hit by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. This is the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and knowledge to program, which isn't something that's easily accessible to the common consumer. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. They are also more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be put into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys in circulation today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is important that the shop cutting the keys has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly in the event that you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They will then use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs however, they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all in-one key could range from $150-$250. This is due to the fact that these types of keys must be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and practical car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by key cutters or locksmiths the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys, which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to the one on the key. If car key replacement does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and begin the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective However, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, however it could cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specialized programming process that is performed only by a locksmith who is certified.