Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key
It is crucial to understand the costs involved if you lose your car key. You can find a duplicate of a car key from any hardware shop, but a smart key might require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.
There are ways to save money if your fob is damaged but is not in need of to be reprogrammed.
1. Type of Key
Car keys have the ability to disappear in the most surprising places. They can be lost in your purse while shopping, are tucked between the couch cushions, or fall through the crack in your back seat, they're always a little bit hard to find. In the past, you could go to your local auto locksmith or hardware store and purchase a new replacement.
It's expensive to replace a key fob or remote transmitter if you drive a vehicle that has advanced technology. Key fobs or remote transmitters used in these systems are small electronic devices, and are packed with electronics that can make them quite expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
You should therefore consider an insurance plan for your key fob that covers up to 400 dollars per key that is stolen or lost. These plans typically represent a fraction of total replacement costs and include unlimited replacements for stolen or lost keys as well as other benefits like towing and roadside assistance.
The kind of key you're using will also impact the cost and some keys are more costly to replace than others. For example, basic metal keys with no key fob are relatively inexpensive, since they're mechanical and can be replaced by an expert locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and can be a major factor in the cost.
Laser cut keys may increase the cost of the replacement key for cars, since they are thicker. They are made from metal that is then molded into a particular shape, and then are cut using precision lasers for a perfect fit.
2. Key Fob
The loss of keys to your car used to be a minor issue. A locksmith or car dealer would sell you a new key which was probably affordable. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced as do their keys. This means that replacing a lost key can be more expensive.
Key fobs were popular in the '90s as an extra feature that allowed car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. The small plastic fobs come with the button that, when it is pressed by the user communicates to the computer in the onboard system to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some have buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or unlock the trunk.
A locksmith for cars can cut a key without a remote at the cost of a small fee. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will replace your fob while they wait.
Fobs with a transponder or another chip may be more expensive to replace than traditional ones. Reprogramming and pairing these can cost upwards of $200 and are only accessible through the original dealer of the car.
Many businesses that work with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards could end having a lot of spare fobs that aren't attached to a particular vehicle. Some are available to consumers, while others require special equipment or technical expertise to program. This is not something that the average consumer can do. This is why it's best to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse, and also add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient in the event that you require it.
3. Laser Cut Keys Keys
Laser-cut keys have deeper ridges in comparison to traditional mechanical keys. These make them more difficult for thieves in cars to duplicate.
Key blades feature two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder and door lock from either side. They are among the most sought-after car keys available today. They are more sought-after than traditional key fobs because they provide a higher degree of security and ease of use.
It is crucial that the company cutting keys has the right equipment. You'll get keys that don't perform as expected in the event that you don't. Be aware of the quality of the blade, as poor quality blades can cause damage to the cutting mechanism of the key or even break inside your ignition cylinder.
To cut a key using lasers locksmiths will require your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have this information, they can run it through an electronic system to find the specifications for your specific vehicle. Then, they will employ a CNC to cut the key according to these specifications.
They are usually only available through dealerships. They are however, less expensive than traditional key fobs, and also have the benefit of being hard to duplicate.
For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. The keys must be programmed by the dealer. vehicle key replacement are nevertheless one of the most secure and reliable keys for cars on the market today.
4. Switchblade Keys
Modern cars usually have key fobs that are able to lock and unlock doors and start the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that can be duplicated by locksmiths and key cutters. Instead, they come with transponder chip technology in the. The chip has to be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. These keys are more expensive. They range from $50-$100 for the basic model up to $200 for models that include push-to-start functions.
Fobs that contain what's known as a switchblade, which folds up when not in use. typically cost more to replace. The keys are equipped with shanks that retract into the fob, and then can be released at the touch of a button when required. They are typically more secure than standard keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and a great alternative for those in need of an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys can range from $100 to $300 depending on the car and the type.
In contrast to the crank key of the past that was complex, heavy and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lighter and easier to use. The keys for cars are much more difficult to steal as they are cylindrical, which assists in preventing the use of key duplicate devices used by criminals to create illicit copies of your car's keys.
The keys are entirely electronic and communicate electronically to open the doors and start the engine - some are even able to do this without having to be removed from the driver's pocket. These types of keys are costly to replace and require an excursion to the dealer, which might include a towing cost.
5. Transponder Keys
Transponder keys differ from mechanical keys due to the fact that they have an electronic chip that transmits a radio-frequency signal to vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the computer system of the vehicle to determine whether it matches the serial number of the key. If it matches, the vehicle will allow the key unlock the door and also start the engine. The concept behind this is to deter car theft by making it more difficult to connect a car's hot wire and then start the engine.
Theoretically, this technology is effective However, car thieves who are smart constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips in the keys aren't as durable as people like to believe. They can be easily wiped out, which can result in the key not working.
The cost of replacing transponder keys could be high. The key blank itself could cost upwards of $50, and then there's the cost of having it programmed. This process involves using a specific machine, which is only available at dealerships for cars.
It is therefore recommended to hire a professional locksmith who has the equipment for programming transponder key. It is also a great idea to have your car's information prepared, such as the year model, make, and year of the vehicle. This will ensure that the right 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 is only done by a licensed locksmith.