Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware store, however a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and does not need programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, or get stuck between the couch cushions or fall into the crack in your back seat and are a difficult to locate. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Today however, it can be quite costly if you're driving a vehicle that is equipped with modern technology, such as push-to-start and key fob technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can be quite costly to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider getting an insurance replacement for your key fob plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you have also impacts the cost as some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Simple metal keys that do not have key fobs, for example, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key contains transponders, you'll require specialized equipment to duplicate it. These machines are usually only available through car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another aspect that can raise the cost of replacing a car key, because they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into the desired shape, and then are cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
In the past lost car keys was just a nuisance. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was affordable to purchase it. As cars have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popularized as a way to lock and unlock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. These small plastic fobs have the button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some contain a button that can activate the alarm system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote at an affordable fee. This is similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even replace the fob that was lost while you are waiting.
It is more costly to replace a fob with an electronic chip or transponder than if it was merely a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses who work with vehicles, such as auto repair shops and dealerships might end up with lots of spare fobs. Some of these can be sold to consumers, but some require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you ever require it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them more difficult for car thieves to steal.
Key blades feature slits on both sides that allow the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most popular kind of car keys in circulation in the present. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and comfort.
If you're interested in having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break within your ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a laser-cutted key. Once auto car key replacement have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications of your specific car. Then, they will make use of a CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key can range from $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars typically have key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which work mechanically and are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars contain transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. The fobs are typically more expensive, and range between $50-$100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have what's known as a switchblade, which folds into itself when not in use, typically, they cost more to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then pops out at the push of a button when required. They are generally more secure than standard keys, which makes them a powerful deterrent for thieves and a great alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of replacing these keys ranges between $100-$300 depending on the car and the type of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past, which were heavy, complicated and dangerous to handle. They also make it harder for thieves to steal them as they are cylindrical. This blocks the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car key.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do this without having to be removed from the pocket of the driver. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys because they have a chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into 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 vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always looking for ways to defeat this technology. Furthermore, the chips inside these keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They are easily cleaned out, which could result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing a transponder key can be a significant expense. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This procedure requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths who have the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program a new transponder key for about $150, but it may cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.