Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car keys. You can find a duplicate of a car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device is damaged but doesn't require changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the sofa cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
It can be expensive to replace the key fob or remote transmitter if you have an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems make use of key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also packed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to $400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. vehicle key replacement are usually a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, in addition to other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For instance, basic keys made of metal with no fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and are a significant element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut with lasers to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a problem. You could get a replacement key from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. As cars have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The tiny plastic fobs include the button that, when pressed, sends a signal to the computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote for the cost of a small fee. This is the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip can be more costly to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the common consumer. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. These make them more difficult for car thieves to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the shop cutting keys has the correct equipment. You'll end with keys that don't work properly if you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will 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 are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 and $250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are nevertheless one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys which are mechanical and easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that must be connected with the vehicle by the dealer or an auto locksmith. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
In contrast to the crank key of the past, which was heavy, complicated and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
Electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the 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 relays a radio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could cause the key to stop functioning at all.
Transponder key replacement costs can be a significant expense. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the added expense of programming it. This procedure requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is best to hire locksmiths who have the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of the details of your vehicle in order including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, which can save you money in the end. Locksmiths typically can program the new transponder key for about $150, but it can cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.