Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It's important to know the cost involved when you lose your car keys. You can duplicate a basic key from any hardware store, but the smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't require to be reprogrammed there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most surprising places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack of the back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.
Today it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider a key fob insurance plan which covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent only a small fraction of the cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using also impacts the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are relatively inexpensive, because they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only accessible through dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major driver of the total cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are typically more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is molded to an exact shape, then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a inconvenience. A locksmith or car dealer could sell you a replacement key which was probably affordable. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be more expensive than it was in the past.
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 it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for a small charge. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer for cars.
Many businesses that work with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them are accessible to the public, whereas others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Contrary to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
They also have slits tooled into both sides of the key blade that allow them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available these days. They are more popular than key fobs, because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your car, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. You'll end up with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You should also consider the quality of the knife because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they will run the data through a computer to retrieve the specifications of your car. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that can be easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. key replacements for cars have shanks that retract into the fob, and then pops out at the push of a button when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a powerful deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet usage. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
These electronic keys are lighter and simpler to use than the crank keys of the past which were heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. These car keys also make it harder for thieves to steal them, because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. Making changes to these types of keys for cars could be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership which may or not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and also start the engine. The idea behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be very expensive. The key blank can cost up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that's only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also an excellent idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program a new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost upwards of $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a special service that is only done by a licensed locksmith.