Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is important to be aware of the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a standard key at any hardware store, but an electronic key will require you to go to a locksmith or dealership.
There are ways to save money if your device is only damaged and is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear into unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, whether they fall out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between your couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition if you're driving a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that are used with these systems are tiny electronic devices, and they're packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace if you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining an insurance replacement for your key fob plan that covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits such as towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also affect the cost. Some keys are more expensive to replace. For example, basic metal keys that don't have a key fob are fairly inexpensive since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key has a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These devices are available from car manufacturers or dealerships and could be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, since they are typically heavier than regular keys. They are made of metal that is molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a precise fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor issue. You could get an alternative key from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However since automobiles have evolved in terms of technology as well, so have their keys, and that means replacing a lost one can be much more expensive than it was in the past.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. car key replacement come with an electronic button that, when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or unlock the trunk.
A traditional key without a fob is similar to those made prior to the 1990s, and can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small charge. Some locksmiths can even replace a lost fob while you wait.
It is more costly to replace a fob with a transponder or computer chip as opposed to a traditional one. Reprogramming and pairing them can cost upwards of $200 and are only available from the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that deal with cars such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however certain require specialized equipment and technical expertise 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 wallet or purse. You can also include GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys feature deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them less prone to car thieves.
The key blades have two slits which allow the key to be put in the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. These are the most popular car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
If you're considering cutting a key using lasers for your vehicle, it's crucial to ensure that the place that cuts keys has the proper equipment. You'll end with a key which doesn't function properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife as a low-quality one can cause damage to your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
The locksmith will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to cut a key using lasers. Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to get the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they'll use the CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are less expensive than traditional key fobs, but they also have an added benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key, you'll likely have to pay between $150 and $250 for labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
A lot of 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 or key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They vary from $50 to $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not in use, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when needed. They are much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great alternative for those who require an additional key to use for valet. The cost of replacing these keys ranges from $100 to $300 depending on the type of vehicle and the type.
Contrary to the crank key that was heavy, complicated, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal since they are cylindrical, a feature that helps to prevent the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's key.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open doors and start the engine. Some keys can even do so without being removed from the pocket of the driver. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which could include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they have the chip that sends an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will let the key unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to deter car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this technology is effective However, clever car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys aren't as long-lasting as some would like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not functioning.
auto key replacement of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to employ a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment for programming transponder key. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money over time. A locksmith can typically program the new transponder key for around $150, but it can cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specialized programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.