Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's important to know the different costs involved. You can get a copy of a car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key may require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money on your device if it is damaged but is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in most unexpected places. They can be hard to find, whether they slip out of your pocket when you're shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into the crack in the back seat. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs, which are tiny electronic devices. They're also loaded with circuitry, making them expensive to replace in the event of an eventual loss.
This is why you should consider getting a key fob replacement insurance plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements for lost or stolen keys along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you own will also impact the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to copy. 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 a different factor that could increase the cost of a replacement car key , because they are generally thicker than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Losing keys to your car used to be a minor issue. You could buy keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership, and it was likely inexpensive to purchase one. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced and so have keys, which means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using a physical car key. The small plastic fobs have a button that, when pressed, signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to the ones made prior to the 1990s, and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a fee. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you are waiting.
Fobs with a transponder or other computer chip could be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and pair with an entirely new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
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 particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the typical consumer. It's a good idea 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 it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have more ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits tooled into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be placed into the door or the ignition cylinder lock in either direction. These are the most well-known car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and convenience.
If you're thinking of cutting a key using lasers for your car, it's important to make sure that the company cutting them has the right equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. Be aware of the quality of the blade, since low-quality ones can damage the key cutting machine or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications of your specific vehicle. Then, they'll employ the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
These keys require special machinery to create, and they are typically only available at dealerships. They are more affordable than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
The cost of labor for a typical laser-cut all-in-one key could range from $150-$250. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They remain among the most convenient and secure car keys available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. These modern keys aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, and range between $50 and $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that have the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then are released when needed. They are usually much safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys varies from $100 to $300, depending on the vehicle and the type of key.
Unlike the old crank key that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them, as they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car key.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. The process of changing these kinds of car keys can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys are equipped with a chip inside them that relays an audio frequency signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does the key's serial number, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to wire a car and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart always find ways to beat it. The chips inside the keys aren't as durable as many would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, resulting in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself can cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of programming it. This requires a special machine that's only found at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used and could save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to start cars equipped with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.