Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
But, if the fob is damaged but does not require changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own a vehicle that has advanced technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that could make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is the reason you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total replacement costs and include unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has transponder, you'll need special equipment to duplicate it. These devices are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of a replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are fashioned from metal that's molded into a specific shape and are then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer keys to replace them that was likely to be cheap. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the 90s as an added feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain an electronic button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you are waiting.
It can be more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were a traditional one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This isn't something that the average person can do. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra car key in your pocket or purse and then add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. car key barrel replacement with keys that don't work properly when you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications specific to your car. They will then employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have the added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key will likely range between $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that lock and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys contain transponder chips which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 based on the car and the kind of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This prevents the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number matches that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and to start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to wire a car hot and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some 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 can be expensive. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50 and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the information for your vehicle 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. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.