Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car keys. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, while an electronic key will require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is not damaged and does not need to be reprogrammed.
1. Key Type
Car keys have a strange ability to disappear into unexpected places. Whether they slip out of your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions, or fall into the crack in your back seat They're always a difficult to locate. In the past, you could just pop into your local auto locksmith or hardware store and get a new replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you own an automobile with the latest technology. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are miniature electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
Consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy which covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost a fraction of the total cost of replacement, and come with 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 have will also affect the cost. Certain keys are more expensive to replace. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance are relatively inexpensive since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. However, if your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to copy. These machines are only available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can also increase the cost of keys for replacement on cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular 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 not a big nuisance. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key which was probably affordable. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so do their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more costly.
In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used to unlock and lock a vehicle without using the physical keys of a car. The small plastic fobs come with 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 have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is akin to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even repair the fob that was lost while you wait.
It's more expensive to replace a fob that has an electronic chip or transponder than if it were a traditional one. These can cost upwards of $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships, and salvage yards could end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that is easily accessible to the typical consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your purse or pocket, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have slits on both sides which allow keys to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available today. They are more popular than traditional key fobs due to the fact that they offer a higher level of security and convenience.
It is essential that the place cutting the keys has the proper equipment. If not, you'll end up with a key that doesn't function properly. You should also be aware of the quality of the blade, because low-quality ones can damage the cutting mechanism of the key or even break the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. Then, they'll employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are typically only available from dealerships. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs and are also a bonus for being difficult to duplicate.
The 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. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, and also turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology built in. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs are generally more expensive, and range from $50 to $100 for the basic model to $200 for models with push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key, that folds in itself when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then is released at the push of a button when needed. They are far more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an extra key to use for valet. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys made of electronic technology are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's keys.
These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without needing to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle scans the signal to determine if the serial number matches that of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In theory, this is effective, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. In addition, the chips that are in these keys aren't as durable as some would like to believe. They are prone to being destroyed easily, which could lead to the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank can cost up to $50. car key replacement near me is an additional expense. This process involves using a special machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is best to hire a locksmith who has the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle's information prepared, such as the year, make, and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used, which will save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost as high as $180. These keys require a special programming process that is performed only by a certified locksmith.