Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, you need to know the different costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. If they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in the back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
Today, however, that can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded 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 cover just a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key that you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are typically accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could purchase an alternative key from a locksmith or a car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have the button that when pressed by the user, signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm 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 that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost up to $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, such as auto repair shops and dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's always best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. They make them harder for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most popular type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not work properly. 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.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They can then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key could range from $150 and $250. This is because these kinds of key need to be programmed by the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars have key fobs that lock and unlock doors, as well as turn on the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. car replacement key cost have shanks that retract into the fob, which then is released at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
These electronic keys are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were difficult, heavy and dangerous to handle. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and require a trip to the dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and to start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside these keys aren't as durable as many would like to think. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to keep all of 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 and could save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type 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 special service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.