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, while a smart key may require you to visit a locksmith or dealership.
But, if the fob is damaged but doesn't need reprogramming, there are ways to cut costs.
1. Key Type
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unexpected places. They can be difficult to locate, no matter if they disappear from your pocket while shopping, get stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could go to your local hardware or auto locksmith store to purchase a replacement.
Nowadays however, it can be an expensive proposition when you're driving a car equipped with the latest technology, such as key fob technology or push-to-start. These systems rely on 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 a loss.
It is recommended to consider the possibility of a key fob insurance policy that covers up to 400 dollars for each key stolen or lost. These plans typically represent just a fraction of total replacement costs and provide unlimited replacements for lost or stolen keys as well as other benefits like towing or roadside assistance.
The type of key you have will also impact the cost and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Simple metal keys that do not have keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, since they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are available from car dealerships or manufacturers and could be a major element in the price.
Laser cut keys may increase the price of keys for replacement on automobiles, as they are more substantial. They are made from metal that is molded to the desired shape, then cut using lasers that are precisely calibrated to ensure the perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer could offer you a replacement key which was probably affordable. As cars have become more advanced in technology and so have their keys. This means that replacing a lost key could be more expensive.
Key fobs became popular in the 1990s as an additional feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that when it is pressed by the user sends a signal to the computer onboard to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some also have a button to activate the vehicle's alarm system or open the trunk.
A key that is not fitted with a fob is similar to those that were made prior to the '90s and it can be cut by an auto locksmith for a small fee. Some locksmiths can even replace lost fobs while you are waiting.
It can be more costly to replace a fob that contains a computer chip or transponder as opposed to an old-fashioned one. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.
Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end with a number of spare fobs not tied to a specific vehicle. Some of them could be sold to consumers, but certain require specialized equipment and knowledge 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 purse or pocket. You can also add GEICO Emergency Roadside Service as part of your insurance policy to make it easier in the event of need.
3. Keys Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have more ridges unlike mechanical keys. They are also more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
They also have slits that are inserted into both sides of the blade that allow them to be placed into the door or ignition cylinder lock from either direction. They are the most commonly used type of car keys available in the present. They are more popular than traditional key fobs because they offer a higher level of security and ease of use.
If you're considering having a laser-cut key made for your vehicle, it's important to make sure that the shop that is cutting keys has the appropriate equipment. You'll get keys that don't function properly if you don't. It is also important to consider the quality of the knife since a poor quality knife could damage your key cutting machine or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.
To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they will run it through a computer system to get the specifications of your specific vehicle. They will then use the CNC to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.
They are typically only available through dealerships. However, they are much less costly than traditional key fobs and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.
For a typical all-in-one laser cut key you'll be required to shell out between $150 and $250 for labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. They are among the most convenient and secure keys for cars that are available today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars often use key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors as well as start the engine. Unlike older mechanical keys, which are mechanical and easy to duplicate by locksmiths or key cutters the newer keys for cars have transponder chips built in that must be connected with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith. These keys 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.
key replacement car with a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not in use They are generally more expensive to replace. They have shanks that retract into the fob, and then release when required. They are more secure than standard keys, making them a great alternative for those who require an additional key for valet use. Changing these keys can run between $100 and $300, depending on the car and type of key.
They are lighter and easier to use than the crank keys of the past which were extremely heavy, complicated and hazardous to use. They also make it difficult for thieves to steal them since they are cylinder-shaped. This prevents the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to copy your car keys.
These wholly electronic car keys communicate electronically to open the doors and begin the engine. Some are able to do so without having to be taken from the pocket of the driver. Changing these types of car keys can be expensive and will generally require a visit to the dealer, which may or may not include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
In contrast to mechanical keys, transponder keys contain a chip within them that transmits a radio frequency signal to the car whenever it is placed in the ignition. The signal is then read by the car's computer system to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it does, the car will allow the key to unlock the door and start the engine. The idea behind this is to stop car theft by making it harder to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
In the theory of it, this is efficient, however, clever car thieves are always trying to outwit this technology. The chips in these keys aren't as durable as people like to think. replacement key for car near me can get wiped out quickly, which could result in the key not working at all.
The cost of replacing transponder keys can be high. The key blank itself could cost as much as $50 and then you have the added expense of programming it. This requires a special machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
This is why it is best to hire locksmiths with the proper equipment to program transponder keys. It is also a great idea to have your vehicle's details ready, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right key blank is used and can save you money in the long run. Locksmiths typically can program an entirely new transponder-based key for around $150, however it could cost up to $180 for push-to-start cars equipped with remote transmitters or key fobs. These keys require a specific programming process that is performed only by a licensed locksmith.