Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a standard car key from any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
However, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need to be reprogrammed, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. If they disappear from your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
It's costly to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which will cover up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, since they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key has a transponder chip, it'll require specialized equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another factor that can increase the cost of replacing a car key, as these are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was just a inconvenience. You could buy a replacement key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more costly.
Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they are waiting.
Fobs that contain transponders or another computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and pair with a new vehicle and are typically only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This isn't something that a typical consumer can do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges unlike mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be inserted into the door and ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional keys because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't work properly in the event that you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality blades can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll make use of the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient car keys on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range from $50-$100 in the basic model, and up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functionality.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds into itself when not in use. typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are light and easy to handle. auto key replacement G28 are also more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. This is done to avoid car thefts by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They can be destroyed quickly, which could cause the key to stop working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost up to $50 and then there's the cost of programming it. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the tools to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to keep all of the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys 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 special programming service that can be done only by a locksmith who is certified.