Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs involved. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't need to be reprogrammed there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your pocket while shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
Nowadays it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are miniature electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, among other things.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost, with some types being more costly to replace than others. Metal keys that don't have a key fob, for example are relatively inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into a specific shape and are then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a problem. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some contain a button that can activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key with no fob is similar to the ones that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's easily accessible to the average consumer. This is why it's always ideal to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your insurance policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the blade, which allows them to be put into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are among the most sought-after car keys on the market today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected in the event that you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need 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 retrieve the specifications of your specific car. They can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have the added benefit of being difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of keys need to be programmed by the dealership. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. automotive car key replacement that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. automotive key replacement must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start features.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, making them a great choice for those who require an additional key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, since they are cylinder-shaped. This blocks the use of key-duplicate machines used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine - some can even 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 could include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it difficult to wire a car hot and also to start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient However, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as long-lasting as some like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in car dealerships.
This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's details ready, including the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.