Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and doesn't require reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall through the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware shop to purchase a new.
Nowadays however, it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can be quite costly to replace in the event that you lose them.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cover a fraction of total replacement costs and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major driver of the overall cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of the replacement key for cars, since they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past the loss of your car keys was not a big problem. You could purchase a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely affordable to purchase it. As cars have technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that when pressed by the user, sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made before the '90s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair the fob that was lost while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. 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 insurance policy to make things easier in the event of need.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most well-known car keys on the market today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher level of security and ease of use.
It is essential that the shop cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't function properly. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could harm your key cutting device or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. replacement key for a car can then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They are generally only available through dealers. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great choice for those who require an extra key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and more user-friendly than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. Some keys can even do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and begin the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as many would think. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank itself could cost up to $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This process requires a special machine that's only found at car dealerships.
It is recommended to find a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to keep all of your vehicle's information ready including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.