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 copy a basic key at any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to visit a dealership or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in most surprising places. If they disappear from your purse while shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you drive an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems rely on remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cover a fraction of cost of replacement, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the overall cost.
Laser cut keys are yet another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, as these are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made of metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing your car keys used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a new key which was probably inexpensive. As cars have advanced in technology, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they wait.
It is more expensive to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it were a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car and are usually only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and car dealerships could end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some are available to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical knowledge to program. This is not something that a typical consumer could do. This is why it's recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. They make them harder for car thieves to duplicate.
The blades of the key have cut-outs on both sides that permit keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they provide more security and convenience.
It is important that the company cutting the keys has the correct equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that doesn't perform as expected. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cut key. Once they have your VIN, they will run the information through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then use an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and are typically only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is due to the fact that these types of key need to be programmed at the dealership. However, they are one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The 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 capabilities.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds up on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which pops out at the push of a button whenever needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of the keys to your car.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These keys are costly to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which may include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to stop car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people think. They are able to be easily washed out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. check this site out can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This procedure requires a specific machine that's only found in car dealerships.
This is why it is best to hire a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the information for your vehicle including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.