Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, it's important to know the different costs that are involved. You can copy a basic 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 on your device if it is not 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 difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
It's costly to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should consider getting the
replacement car key of your key fob insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans are usually just a fraction of cost of
replacement car keys near me, and include unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Metal keys that don't have key fobs for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional mechanic or locksmith. If your key has a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment 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 are a different factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally heavier than regular keys. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used be a minor issue. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced and so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock vehicles without the use of a physical car key. The tiny plastic fobs include a 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 vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote at the cost of a small fee. This is exactly the same as keys made before 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your lost fob while they wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require special equipment or technical knowledge to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
Key blades feature slits on both sides which allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most well-known
car replacement key keys on the market today. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the 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 data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll probably be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, that operate mechanically and are easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters These newer car keys contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when needed. They are typically safer than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100-$300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to use, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. The car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which could include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that transmits the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to open the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter 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 constantly find ways to defeat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be quite expensive. The key blank itself can cost up to $50 and then there's the
Cost replacement car key of having it programmed. This requires a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
This is why it is advisable to find a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a licensed locksmith.