Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
When you lose a car key, you need to understand the various costs that are involved. You can duplicate a basic key at any hardware store, while a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
However, if the fob 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 in most surprising places. They can be hard to find, whether they disappear from your purse when you're out shopping, get stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back seat. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and pick up a replacement.
Today it could be a costly proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with circuitry that could be quite costly to replace in the event of losing them.
You should therefore consider a key fob insurance plan that will cover up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans are usually a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, in addition to other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
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 fairly inexpensive, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by locksmiths or mechanics who are professionals. If your key has transponder chips, it will require special equipment to duplicate. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys can increase the price of the replacement key for a car, as they are more substantial. They are made of metal that's molded into the desired shape and then cut using precision lasers to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a nuisance. A car dealer or locksmith could offer keys to replace them which was probably affordable. However as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have their keys, and that means replacing a lost key can be a lot more expensive than it used to be.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular as a method to lock and unlock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. The small plastic fobs have the button that, when pressed signals to the onboard computer of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some also include a button that allows you to activate the alarm system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made before the '90s, and can be cut by an automotive locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths will replace the fob that was lost while they wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob that contains an electronic chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops and car dealerships may end up with a lot of spare fobs. Some of them are accessible to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer could do. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make things even easier if you need it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Unlike traditional mechanical keys, laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The key blades have cut-outs on both sides that permit the key to be inserted in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most common kind of car keys that are in circulation in the present. They are more popular than key fobs because they offer greater security and convenience.
If remote car key replacement cost interested in getting a laser-cut key for your vehicle, it's essential to make sure the place that cuts them has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't work properly when you don't. You must also be aware of the quality of the blade, because poor quality blades can cause damage to the key cutting machine or even break within your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the data through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They will then employ the CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being hard to duplicate.
The labor costs for a typical laser-cut, all-in-one key can range from $150 to $250. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and also start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. This chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50 to $100 in the basic version up to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.
Fobs with what's referred to as a switchblade key that folds in itself when not in use. generally cost more to replace. These keys come with shanks that retract into the fob and release when needed. They are more secure than standard keys, which makes them an ideal choice for those who need an additional key to use as a valet. The cost of changing these keys varies between $100 and $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Unlike the old crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys made of electronic technology are light and easy to handle. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of the keys to your car.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some keys are able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Unlike mechanical keys, transponder keys have a chip in them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The computer system of the vehicle reads the signal to determine whether the serial number is identical to that of the key. If it is, the vehicle will allow keys to unlock the doors and to start the engine. This is to stop car thefts by making it more difficult to hot-wire a car and to start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. In addition, the chips that are in these types of keys are not as durable as many 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 very expensive. The cost of the key blank could be as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This process involves using an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the appropriate equipment for programming transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year and make, as well as the model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money over time. Locksmiths can program a transponder key typically for $150, however for push-to-start cars with remote transmitters and key fobs it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specific programming service that can be done only by a licensed locksmith.