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 get a copy of a basic car key at any hardware store, however the smart key could require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need reprogramming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, end up stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and purchase a new replacement.
These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use 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.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that will cover up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits like towing coverage and roadside assistance, to name a few.
The type of key that you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Metal keys that don't have keys with a fob for instance are fairly inexpensive, because they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are typically available at dealerships or car manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded into a particular shape, and then are cut with lasers that are precise to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor inconvenience. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key could be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
Key fobs were popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. The tiny plastic fobs include an electronic button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some of them have buttons that trigger the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths will repair your fob while they wait.
Fobs that have a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many companies that deal 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 particular vehicle. Some are available to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical skills to program. read more is not something that the average person could do. It's best to always keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make things easier if you need it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves.
They also have slits inserted into both sides of the blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most common type of car keys that are in circulation these days. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is essential that the company cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll end up with a key which doesn't perform as expected when you don't. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, as low-quality blades can damage the key cutting machine or even break 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 are able to run the data through a computer to find the specifications of your vehicle. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealers. They are cheaper than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. These keys have to be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that can lock and unlock doors and start the engine. Contrary to the older mechanical keys that operate mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters, these newer car keys have transponder chips built in which must be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more 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 alternative for those who need an additional key to use for valet. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and simpler to use than the old crank keys that were difficult, heavy and hazardous to use. They are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent 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 the doors and begin the engine. Some are even able to do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. The process of changing these kinds of keys to cars could be costly and generally require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have an electronic chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine if it matches the serial number of the key. If it is 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 more difficult to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective but clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could lead to the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process requires a special machine that is only available in car dealerships.
It is recommended to employ a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. Locksmiths can program a transponder-type key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters it could cost up to $180. These keys require a special service that can only be performed by a certified Locksmith.