Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
If you lose your car key, it's crucial to know the different costs involved. You can obtain a copy of a standard car key from any hardware shop, but the smart key could require you to go to a locksmith or dealer.
There are ways to save money if your fob is not damaged and is not in need of programming.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the bizarre ability to disappear in unexpected places. They can be lost in your purse during shopping, get wedged between the couch cushions or fall down the crack in the back seat and are a bit hard to find. In the past, you could simply visit your local hardware or auto locksmith shop to purchase a new.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or a remote transmitter if you drive an automobile with the latest technology. These systems use key fobs and remote transmitters which are tiny electronic devices. They're also stuffed with circuitry, which makes them expensive to replace in the event of the loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to $400 dollars per key lost or stolen. These plans typically cost less than the total cost of replacement and offer unlimited key replacements in the event of theft or loss as well as additional benefits such as towing coverage and roadside assistance, among others.
The type of key you're using can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than other. Basic metal keys without key fobs for instance are relatively inexpensive as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your key contains transponders, you'll require an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys are a different factor that can increase the cost of a replacement car key, since they are generally more substantial than regular car keys. They are made from metal that is then molded into an exact shape, then cut using precision lasers for an exact fit.
2. Key Fob
Not too long ago lost car keys was a nuisance. You could buy an alternative key from a locksmith shop or a car dealership and it was relatively cheap to do so. As cars have technologically advanced, so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular during the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicles without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with an electronic button that, when it is pressed by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some of them have buttons that trigger the security system in the vehicle or open the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's exactly the same as keys produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths can even repair lost fobs while you wait.
Fobs with transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end having a lot of spare fobs not tied to a particular vehicle. Some of these can be offered to consumers, however others require special equipment and technical expertise to program, which isn't something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it more convenient should you need to use it.
3. Laser Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. This makes them less prone to car thieves to steal.
The blades of the key have two slits that 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 popular than key fobs because they provide greater security and convenience.
If you're thinking of having a laser-cut key made for your car, it is crucial to ensure that the company cutting keys has the proper equipment. You'll get keys that don't function properly if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, because a knife that isn't of the highest quality could cause damage to your key cutting machine or cause it to break inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key 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 for your specific car. They will then use the CNC machine to cut the key based on these specifications.
They require specialized equipment to create, and are usually only available at dealerships. However, they are much less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are still one of the most secure and convenient keys for cars available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they have transponder chip technology integrated into. The chip has to be connected by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These fobs can be more expensive. They range between $50 and $100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used they are typically more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and pop out when needed. They are usually much more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent for thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. Keys that are changed can cost between $100 and $300 based on the car and the type of key.
Contrary to the crank key, which was difficult, heavy and dangerous to use keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. These car keys are also much harder to steal because they are cylindrical, a feature that assists in preventing the use of key-duplicate devices used by criminals to make illegal copies of your car's keys.
These keys that are completely electronic communicate electronically to open doors and begin the engine. replacement keys are even able to do so without having to be taken from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are expensive to replace and will require a trip to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys keys contain a chip within them that relays the radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is inserted into the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle analyzes the signal to determine whether the serial number matches the one on 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 hot wire a car and start the engine.
Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work, but smart car thieves always find ways to beat it. Additionally, the chips in these types of keys aren't as long-lasting as people would like to believe. They can be destroyed quickly, which could result in the key not functioning at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank can cost as much as $50. Programming it is an additional expense. This requires a specific machine, which is only available at car dealerships.
It is therefore best to find a locksmith professional with the right equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a good idea to have all your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will ensure that the correct key blank is used, and will save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based 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 specific programming service that can be done only by a certified locksmith.