Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to be aware of the various costs that are involved. You can obtain a copy of a car key from any hardware store, but a smart key might require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
However, if the fob is merely damaged and doesn't need changing its programming there are ways to reduce costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be difficult to find, whether they slip out of your purse when you're out shopping, are stuck between the couch cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could pop into your local hardware or auto locksmith store to get a replacement.
These days, however, that can be an expensive proposition in the case of a vehicle equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology and push-to-start. Key fobs and remote transmitters that are used with these systems are small electronic devices that are packed with electronics that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them.
This is why you should consider obtaining a key fob replacement insurance plan, which covers up to $400 per lost or stolen key. car key fob replacements are usually just a fraction of cost of replacement, and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys, as well as additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The type of key you're using will also impact the cost, with some types being more expensive to replace than other. For instance, simple metal keys with no key fob are fairly inexpensive because they're mechanical and can be easily replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key is equipped with transponder chips, it will require specialized equipment to duplicate. These machines are available from car dealers or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys are a different aspect that can raise the cost of a replacement car key, because they are usually thicker than regular car keys. They are fashioned from metal that is then molded to the desired shape and then cut using lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of your car keys used to be a minor inconvenience. You could get keys replacements from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have become more advanced in technology as have their keys. This means that replacing a lost or damaged key could be more expensive.
In the 1990s, key fobs became widely used to unlock and lock the vehicle without requiring an actual car key. These small plastic fobs contain the button that, when pressed, communicates to the computer onboard of the vehicle to lock or unlock it. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
An automotive locksmith can cut traditional keys without a remote for the cost of a small fee. It's similar to keys that were made prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will be able to replace your lost fob while they are waiting.
It's more costly to replace a fob that contains a transponder or computer chip than if it was merely an ordinary one. They can cost as high as $200 to reprogram and connect to a new vehicle and are usually only available through the original dealer.
Many businesses who work with cars, such as auto repair shops or dealerships could have a large number of spare fobs. Some of them can be sold to consumers, but others require special equipment and technical expertise to make use of, something that's readily available to the average consumer. This is why it's ideal to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
In contrast to traditional mechanical keys laser-cut keys have deeper grooves and ridges. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the key blades that allow them to be inserted into the door and the ignition cylinder lock from either direction. These are the most common type of car keys available these days. They are more popular than traditional keys because they provide a higher degree of security and comfort.
If you're thinking of getting a laser-cut key for your car, it's important to make sure that the place that cuts keys has the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you'll end with a key that does not function properly. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could damage your key cutting machine or cause it to break within the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut keys locksmiths will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through a computer system to retrieve the specifications specific to your car. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key to these specifications.
They require specialized machinery to create, and they are generally only available through dealerships. However, they are less expensive 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 likely be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. This is because these kinds of keys need to be programmed at the dealership. They remain among the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These newer keys are not mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip must be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $100 for the basic model, and up to $200 for models that have push-to-start capabilities.
Fobs that feature the "switchblade" key that folds over itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, which then can be released at the touch of a button whenever needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves. They are also a good alternative for those who require an extra car key to allow valet usage. The cost of changing these keys can range between $100 and $300, depending on the vehicle and the type.
They are lighter and easier to use than the old crank keys which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. The car keys also make it more difficult for thieves to steal them because they are cylindrical. This stops the use of key-duplicate machines that criminals use to copy your car keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine - some are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Making changes to these types of keys to cars can be costly and usually require a visit to the dealership and may or may not include a towing fee.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys in that they feature a chip that transmits an audio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. The signal is then analyzed by the car's computer system to determine whether it is in line with the serial number of the key. If it matches the serial number, the vehicle will let the key to unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, the most sophisticated car thieves are always finding ways to beat this technology. Additionally, the chips in these keys are not as durable as some would like to believe. They can be destroyed easily, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be costly. The cost of the key blank could be up to $50. Programming it is a cost additional. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also recommended to have all the details of your vehicle in order, including the year model, make and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. A locksmith can program a transponder keys typically for $150, but for cars with push-to-start capabilities 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.