Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved when you lose your car key. You can copy a basic key from any hardware store, whereas an electronic key will require you to go to an auto dealer or locksmith.
But, if the fob isn't damaged and doesn't need changing its programming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear in the most surprising places. i was reading this can be lost in your purse while shopping, or get stuck between the sofa cushions, or fall down the crack in your back seat They're always a bit hard to find. In the past, this meant that you could simply go to your local hardware store or auto locksmith and pick up a replacement.
It can be expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you own an automobile that is equipped with advanced technology. These systems use remote transmitters and key fobs which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, making them costly to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider an insurance plan for your key fob which covers up to 400 dollars per key stolen or lost. These plans typically cover just a fraction of total replacement costs, and offer unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using can also affect the price as some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are quite affordable, because they're mechanical, and can be easily replaced by a professional locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need specialized equipment to duplicate it. These devices are usually available at dealerships or car manufacturers, and could be a major contributor to the total cost.
Laser cut keys are another factor that could increase the cost of replacing a car key, because they are usually more substantial than regular car keys. They are made of metal that's molded into an exact shape, and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was just a nuisance. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 90s as an added feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their car without a physical key. These small plastic fobs have the button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the security system of the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut a traditional key without a remote for an affordable fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip can be more costly to replace than conventional ones. They can cost up to $200 to reprogram and connect to the new car, and they are generally only available through the dealer who sold the original car.
Many companies that deal with automobiles, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards, could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't tied to a particular vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical knowledge to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra car key in your purse or pocket and then add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient in the event that you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper ridges and grooves. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.
They also have slits inserted into the sides of the key blade, which allows them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most popular kind of car keys that are that are in circulation these days. They are more popular than key fobs, due to their greater security and ease of use.
It is essential that the place cutting keys has the proper equipment. Otherwise, you'll end up with a key that does not function properly. You should also consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications for your specific car. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available from dealerships. However, they are less costly than traditional key fobs and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser-cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. However, they are one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Many modern cars use key fobs to lock and unlock doors, and start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology built in. The chip must be paired 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 have push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade key which folds up when not in use, generally cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are generally safer than traditional keys, making them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who require an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle, these electronic keys are lightweight and more convenient. They are also more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
These keys are electronic and can open doors and start engines without having to remove them from their pockets. These types of keys are expensive to replace and require an appointment with a dealer, which might include a towing charge.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is put into 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 vehicle will allow the key to open the door and begin the engine. The purpose behind this is to prevent car theft by making it more difficult to wire a car and then start the engine.
In theory, this is effective but smart car thieves are constantly finding ways to beat this technology. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people think. They are easily cleaned out, which can result in the key not functioning.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be expensive. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the added expense of having it programmed. This procedure requires a specific machine that is only available in dealerships for cars.
For this reason, it is recommended to employ locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all the information for your vehicle, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will help ensure that the correct key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities with key fobs and remote transmitters, it could cost up to $180. These keys require a specialized service that can only be done by a locksmith who is certified.