Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose a car key, it's important to understand the various costs that are involved. You can get a copy of a car key at any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the device isn't damaged and doesn't require reprogramming, there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be hard to find, whether they fall out of your pocket while 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 simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and get a new replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be quite costly when you're driving a car with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters that are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of a loss.
Consider an insurance plan for your key fob that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements as well as additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
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, because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. However, if the key is equipped with a transponder chip, it'll require special equipment to duplicate. These devices are usually available through car dealerships or manufacturers, and could be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of keys for replacement on a car, as they are thicker. They are made of metal that is molded to the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past, losing your car keys was just a problem. A car dealer or locksmith could sell keys to replace them that was likely to be affordable. As cars have advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock vehicles without the use of the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
key replacement car that contain a transponder or other computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with vehicles, such as auto repair shops or dealerships may have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to the general public, while others require specialized equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. It is recommended to keep an extra key in your pocket or purse. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature cut-outs on both sides which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer more security and convenience.
If you're interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the shop that is cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not work properly. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer to find the specifications of your car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to make, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
Labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key will likely range between $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys must be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the 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 feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer with the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start features.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use, generally cost more to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob, and then are released when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere from $100 to $300 based on the car and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are light and easy to handle. These car keys are also much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. Making changes to these types of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does, the vehicle will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. This is done to prevent car thefts by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and also to start the engine.
Theoretically it is possible that this technology works however, smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in these keys are also not as durable as many would think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. 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 can cost as much as $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that is only done by a locksmith who is certified.
